Newly-crowned European Superstock 600 Champion Gino Rea managed to get within a second of Eugene Laverty's fastest race lap while testing Cal Crutchlow's Yamaha World Supersport bike ay Portimao today.

The young Londoner shared the bike with BSB runner-up James Ellison, Anthony West and Martin Cardenas and was able to match the laptimes set by the two former MotoGP riders.

"Today has been amazing, the Yamaha Superport bike is so fun to ride. I've had the biggest smile on my face all day long. Altough I didn't get much time on the bike, I improved on every lap. The third and last session for me was cut short by a red flag, unfortunately before I could do a lap I wanted," said Rea.

"Still, with a used front tyre I was only a second off Eugene Laverty's fastest lap in the race, which wasn't too bad being my first time on a Supersport bike. I would have liked to do a full day's riding but I'm very grateful that I was given the opportunity to even ride it. I'd absolutely love to be part of the Yamaha Supersport team next year but we just have to wait and see what happens."