McAMS Yamaha’s Jason O’Halloran dominated the opening Bennetts British Superbike free practice this afternoon at Oulton, opening an eight-tenth gap over the opposition.
FS-3 Kawasaki’s Danny Buchan had been in charge of the sole Friday practice, opening with a 1’36.043 and then dropping to a 1’36.005 but with a few minutes left, O’Halloran brought out the big guns and sliced underneath the Essex wideboy with a 1’35.810 and then dropped a 1’35.180 to absolutely seal the deal.
“It’s been a really good start for us at Oulton, normally it takes a little bit of time to get going here as the track is really unique and quite technical but I felt good straight away," said O'Halloran.
"On the first exit we were already down to low 1’36s which usually times a while here, so I’m feeling good.
"There are still a few areas to work on where I think we can find quite a bit of time if we get more comfortable on the bike, but yeah everything is working good, I’m feeling good in myself and can’t wait for tomorrow.”
Honda’s Glenn Irwin slid into third place with his final lap of the day, a 1’36.149 which was the business end of a second slower than the Yamaha man.
Buildbase Ducati’s Kyle Ryde, who has only ridden a Superbike at Oulton once before, bagged fourth with a 1’36.155 as Luke Mossey nicked fifth place with his final lap on the Rich OMG BMW, setting a 1’36.288.
Buchan’s team-mate Lee Jackson was also a late charger, putting in a 1’36.350 for sixth place whole Christian Iddon ended top Ducati on a 1’36.422 for seventh place.
Lap record holder Tommy Bridewell finished his day on a 1’36.449, one ahead of Josh Brookes who set his 1’36.610 early doors for ninth place.
Andrew Irwin put his sister Honda in tenth place on a 1’36.709 with Jack Kennedy making his debut for the RAF Reserves Kawasaki team in 11th on a 1’36.790.
Synetiq BMW’s Brad Ray finished in 12th with Gino Rea 13th. Tarran Mackenzie and Peter Hickman completed the top 15.
