Tyco Suzuki’s Guy Martin recorded the fastest time in otday’s opening Ulster Grand Prix Superbike qualifying session, posting a 131.75mph lap to reinforce his status as a pre-race favourite, with Michael Dunlop and Bruce Anstey in close attendance.

It was the Dunlop brothers who topped the time sheets in the Supersport session, with William pipping his younger brother Michael by just 0.015 of a second and Anstey, Lee Johnston and Dean Harrison completing the top five.

Scotsman Keith Amor led the Supertwins ahead of last year’s winner Ivan Lintin and Dundrod debutant Glenn Irwin. Irwin, who competes in the British supersport championship was visibly excited after his first competitive laps and he will be aiming for a strong result on race day.

Another newcomer, Peter Hickman, was first in the Dundrod National/Challenge group and boosted his chances of becoming the fastest ever newcomer at the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix. He finished ahead of Phillip Crowe and Robert Kennedy, while former 125cc GP racer Danny Webb finished 7th on his first visit to Dundrod.

Hickman also recorded second place in the Superstock session, finishing just behind Michael Dunlop and ahead of the ever consistent Anstey.

The smaller bikes saw some familiar faces dominate as Christian Elkin topped the Ultra-lightweight machinery and Neil Kernohan was fastest of the lightweights on his 250cc Honda.

All of the classes will be back in action again tomorrow, with roads closing at 9.30am for the first practice sessions and the Plant Lubrication NI Dundrod 150 in association with Valvoline in the afternoon.

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