Jason O'Halloran kicked off his bid to regain ground in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship (BSB) title fight in fine fettle, topping opening free practice at Donington Park.

The McAMS Yamaha rider, who endured a torrid weekend last time out at Oulton Park after two DNFs, capitalised on the newly resurfaced Leicestershire circuit to turn in a new lap record of 1m 27.997s.

The Australian led a Yamaha 1-2 at the flag with LAMI OMG Racing's Kyle Ryde slotting into second position, while Josh Brookes - currently second in the overall standings behind Glenn Irwin - headed up the FHO BMW challenge in third position.

Arriving at Donington Park seeking a return to the form that had him competing for a victory at Silverstone, Lovell Kent Racing's Danny Kent was the quickest of the Honda contingent, ahead of local hero Leon Haslam on the ROKiT BMW in fifth.

Returning to action this weekend after injuring himself in a crash at the Silverstone opener, Danny Buchan was sixth fastest on the SYNETIQ BMW, from Hector Barbera and Charlie Nesbitt on their respective TAG Racing and MasterMac by Hawk Hondas.

Tommy Bridewell was the best of the BeerMonster Ducati riders in ninth place, with championship leading team-mate Irwin enduring a modest start to the weekend in 16th.

BSB Donington Park FP1 Results