Chaz Davies held off the challenge of Tom Sykes to take his Ducati into top spot during the second practice session at Laguna Seca World Superbikes.
The Welshman posted an impressive 1’23.633 to beat Sykes to the top of the timesheets by just 0.156s and such efforts will give all at the Aruba.it Ducati team renewed confidence ahead of Superpole.
Davies’ team-mate Davide Giugliano put his Panigale third on the timesheets despite a crash ahead of Jonathan Rea, with his very own 1’23.858 - the final rider in the 1.23s bracket.
After an enjoyable opening session Rea could only muster fourth place with his 1’24.021 but following recent comments, where the Ulsterman has stated practice sessions offer him the opportunity to try different strategies, he won’t be too disheartened ahead of tomorrow’s qualifying.
Niccolo Canepa consolidated his strong start to the weekend on the Althea Racing Ducati in fifth place, just ahead of the Aprilia duo of Leon Haslam and Jordi Torres.
In eighth sat Randy De Puniet after another good showing on the Crescent Suzuki and he was again able to hold off team-mate Alex Lowes who ended up ninth.
Reigning World Superbikes champion Sylvain Guintoli rounded out the top ten on his Pata Honda as his team-mate Michael Van Der Mark, taking his first ever look at the Californian circuit, found himself languishing in 14th just behind the the MV Agusta of Leon Camier.
