JG Speedfit Kawasaki’s James Ellison was only one tenth off lap record pace during the final MCE British Superbike free practice session at the Brands Hatch Indy circuit. The Cumbrian was able to edge ahead of title rival Buildbase BMW’s Ryuichi Kiyonari, with 0.1 seconds separating the pair this morning.
Throughout the 45 minute session Ellison and Kiyonari were both setting super quick lap times, and on the 20 minute mark Kiyo stormed to the top of the sheets, dethroning Ellison in the process with a 45.680, going 0.020 seconds quicker than the Kendal rider, but soon Ellison fought back to reclaim his place at the top of the timing-screens with a 45.531.
Moto Rapido Ducati’s Jakub Smrz had a surge in good form and at the flag lapped in 45.686 to place his Panigale third fastest, bumping Milwaukee Yamaha’s Josh Brookes down to fourth.
The yellow flags did appear in sector two after Smiths BMW’s Billy McConnell and Anvil Hire TAG Racing Kawasaki’s Shaun Winfield crashed at Druids. Both racers were declared ok at the track side. Local rider Be Wiser Kawasaki’s Danny Buchan fell at Graham Hill Bend and was taken to the medical centre for further assessment, and both riders were declared fit enough to take part in qualifying later today.
Not only that but BSB debutant Team WD-40’s Jack Kennedy also fell at Cooper Straight, and was taken to the medical centre. Before the incident Buchan was riding high in fifith on the sheets, and after the tumble that’s where he stayed.
PBM Kawasaki’s Shane Byrne was unable to go quicker than his best time of a 45.920 that he set yesterday, and ended the final free practice rounding out the top six. Bennett’s Suzuki’s Christian Iddon, PBM Kawasaki’s Stuart Easton, Anvil Hire TAG Kawasaki’s Richard Cooper and Honda Racing’s Jason O’Halloran completed the top ten.
Only the top 30 fastest riders can progress into the qualifying session this afternoon, which means Buildbase BMW’s Lee Jackson, Honda Racing’s Jenny Tinmouth, A-Plant Yamaha Aaron Zanotti and SBK City Kawasaki’s Rhalf Lo Turco are unable to be in the mix to fight for a possible pole position.
