Ulsterman Johnny Rea on the HM Plant Honda remained in the number one spot during second free practice ahead of the first round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at
Brands Hatch.
Nipping at his heels was a fellow Honda rider but not his team-mate - it was Shane Byrne on the Stobart Vent Axia Honda. Since his move to Paul Bird's team Byrne has been on top form and can't wait to start racing.
Gregorio Lavilla put his Airwaves Ducati into third place although he led for a large part of the session. He had an off at Sheene curve early on but was able to walk away from the fast off.
First of new comers over the line was Leon Camier on the Bike Animal Honda. Camier was consistent during both sessions and despite his young age and lack of Superbike experience he out stripped many of the regulars.
Chris Walker for Rizla Suzuki was fifth and his team-mate Cal Cructhlow finished in eighth. During the first session Crutchlow settled for a lower placing as the team were running up track time on old tyres. Due to the new tyre rules, the teams are limited to six rear tyres over the weekend so fresh rubber has to be used sparingly.
Another young gun, this time in the form of Tom Sykes on the second Stobart machine was running ninth, and Tommy Hill on the Virgin Media Optoma Loans Yamaha rounded out the top ten.
Dean Thomas on the Samsung Suzuki finished in a healthy eleventh place considering the team have had limited testing time. Karl “Bomber”Harris was running in twelfth place aboard the Hydrex Honda, they spent the morning session running the bike in and making adjustments ahead of qualifying on Sunday.
BSB free practice (2) results – Brands Hatch:
1. Johnny Rea
2. Shane Byrne
3. Gregorio Lavilla
4. Leon Camier
5. Chris Walker
6. Leon Haslam
7. Ryuichi Kiyonari
8. Cal Crutchlow
9. Tom Sykes
10. Tommy Hill
