Bennetts Suzuki’s Sylvain Guintoli topped the rather wet MCE British Superbike free practice timesheets at Donington Park, in the final timed session this morning.
The former World Superbike champion’s fastest lap was a 1’46.018, but Anvil Hire TAG Yamaha’s Josh Brookes was only 0.061s off the pace of the Frenchman, but was up the sharp end throughout the 45 minute outing.
Tyco BMW’s Christian Iddon came to life during the session and was unfazed by the rain showers and cold temperatures. He made it inside the 1’46’s, but was 0.6 seconds slower than the former World Superbike challengers.
Iddon's new 2017 team-mate, Davide Giugliano made a strong effort in FP3, and put down a 1'46.905 to go fourth quickest, with McAMS Yamaha's James Ellison completing the top five, and only missed out on a time within the 1'46's by the smallest of margins - 0.04 seconds to be exact.
Michael Laverty made use of the session and was two tenths slower than team-mate, Ellison, followed by Bridewell, Mackenzie and Westmoreland. Title contenders, Be Wiser Ducati's Shane Byrne and JG Speedfit Kawasaki's Leon Haslam only completed a handful of laps and went P10 and P13 respectively.
The wet track did catch out come rider’s, including Moto Rapido Ducati’s John Hopkins who fell unhurt at Starkeys Bridge on only his first lap. Smiths BMW’s Lee Jackson was declared fit for today’s proceedings after a big crash during FP2 on Friday.
Be Wiser Ducati’s Glenn Irwin crashed whilst leading the pack at the Melbourne Hairpin with 27 minutes remaining to the final free practice outing, and the Northern Irishman was only on his fourth rotation of the circuit. Martin Jessopp crashed at Starkeys and was taken to the medical centre for further assessment.
Bennetts Suzuki’s Taylor Mackenzie crashed at Schwantz and moments later, Michael Dunlop fell, also on a Suzuki at the Melbourne Hairpin. Both rider’s were declared OK at the trackside. Rookie Bradley Ray also succumbed to the wet track.
