Synetiq BMW’s Danny Buchan ended the opening day of 2022 Bennetts British Superbike testing at the top of the times, edging Bradley Ray by 0.091s - while former WorldSBK star Tom Sykes finished in ninth.
Buchan had consistently stayed at the top of the times, but as the afternoon session ticked down, Bradley Ray surged up the order into second place on the Rich Energy Yamaha to ease Peter Hickman into third.
Rory Skinner bounced back from a morning crash to finish fourth fastest for the FS-3 Racing Kawasaki team, just ahead of Jason O’Halloran on the leading McAMS Yamaha who completed the top five.
Leon Haslam had a strong start to his return to the Championship, positing the sixth fastest time as he made his debut with the VisionTrack Kawasaki team at their home circuit.
Danny Kent led the Buildbase Suzuki charge in seventh place, pipping Tommy Bridewell on the Oxford Products Racing Ducati.
Tom Sykes made his debut with the MCE Ducati team, getting his first taste of the BSB-spec Ducati with Christian Iddon, who he replaced in the team, completing the top ten on the second Buildbase Suzuki.
Reigning champion Tarran Mackenzie, on the second McAMS Yamaha, ended the day in 13th, one ahead of former champion Josh Brookes. Lee Jackson and Ryan Vickers finished 11th and 12th with Honda’s Takumi Takahashi 15th.
