Britain’s Leon Haslam has taken top spot in the opening day of All-Japan Superbike practice at Suzuka by just under a tenth of a second.

The Derby rider, who has joined Suzuka Eight-Hours team-mates Akira Yanagawa and Kazuki Watanabe in the works team, set a 2’06.261, which is close to the endurance race pole time, and is aiming for the top step of the podium.

“The specifications and the tyres of the machine are different from BSB, and the conditions are different from those of Suzuka 8, but thanks to the team’s backup and advisor Mr. Katsuaki Fujiwara, it has become a good feeling Of course at the qualifying pole position, I will aim for the championship in the race,” said Haslam.

Yamaha’s Kats Nakasuga is second and Takahashi Takumi third.

BSB fan favourite Ryuichi Kiyonari, who was fourth in the opening session, crashed in the afternoon and broke his collarbone: "I am sorry for everyone who look forward to my running, I am sorry also for the team and the sponsors who prepared me for the race,” he said.