Samsung Honda rider Alex Lowes topped the first MCE British Superbike free practice session of the day at Thruxton this morning, with a time of 1’21.626.
Conditions at the circuit were not ideal, with torrential rain, and wind battering the riders as they went around the track. But most seemed unfazed by the weather in particular Lowes and Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki’s Keith Farmer who clocked the second fastest time of 1’22.311.
Czech Republic rider Jakub Smrz made most of his time on board his Padgett’s Honda, and ended up completing over twenty laps during the 45 minute session, and set a time of 1’22.632. Tyco Suzuki’s Josh Brookes was consistent throughout and was never really outside the top five, followed closely by Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki rider and current BSB champion Shane Byrne.
Buildbase BMW rider James Westmoreland did eventually make it out on track and put in some solid times, to ensure he remained in the top ten throughout the first practice session. But he was not joined out on track by his team-mate Jon Kirkham.
Milwaukee Yamaha pair James Ellison and Josh Waters both braved the rain, and both set times that placed them safely inside the top ten. Veteran Bathams Honda rider, Michael Rutter did complete fourteen laps, and rounded off the top ten.
Lowes team-mate Ryuichi Kiyonari competed more laps than any other rider, but failed to make an impact in first practice, and ended the session eleventh fastest overall.