Be Wiser Ducati’s Josh Brookes nicked top spot from team-mate Scott Redding in the first completely dry Bennetts British Superbike free practice at Donington Park, opening a 0.387s gap over the former MotoGP rider with his last lap.
Redding had led for a majority of the 50-minute session, setting a 1’29.724 at the beginning of a race simulation which culminated in a 1’29.9 some 18 laps later which will be of some concern to everyone in the pitlane who has designs on silverware this weekend. He did go in at the end but couldn’t match Brookes’ ultimate pace as he didn't use a new tyre.
The Australian matched Redding on number of laps in the 1’29s but was just outside when it came to pace in the 1’30s. Brookes put in six while Redding was able to generate nine. The pair were comfortably ahead of third-placed man Peter Hickman, who finished on a 1’30.021 on his last run.
FS-3 Kawasaki’s Danny Buchan joined Hickman in the top ten with his last effort, setting a 1’30.075 which was enough to demote Buildbase Suzuki’s Bradley Ray, who had set a 1’30.172 right at the top of the session.
Tyco BMW’s Christian Iddon was another late bloomer, posting a 1’30.285 on his 15th lap of 17. Oxford Ducati’s Tommy Bridewell finished in seventh, ending on s 1’30.322 to close almost a second off the pace.
Dan Linfoot put in a 1’30.346 to secure eighth place with the McAMS Yamaha duo of Jason O’Halloran and Tarran Mackenzie next along.
Taylor Mackenzie backed up his wet weather pace with 11th place in the dry on the Tyco BMW while Andrew Irwin escaped a big Craner crash to pick up 12th.
Ryan Vickers finished in 13th, Xavi Fores 14th and Luke Mossey - also a member of the Craner Club today - completed the top 15.
