Cal Crutchlow may have left it late, but he still found himself on top of the first Bennetts British Superbike free practice session of the weekend at
Mallory Park.
The Honda rider had led the way in practice early on but was usurped by Shane Byrne around the 20 minute mark. The championship leader's lap almost saw him end the session on top before Crutchlow jumped back on his HM Plant bike to take over with two minutes remaining.
Rizla Suzuki's Tom Sykes was an encouraging third fastest, ahead of Michael Rutter, who enters his home round hoping to benefit from significant changes on the North West 200 Ducati.
Snetterton race winner Leon Camier was fifth best, ahead of Leon Haslam and the leading Kawasaki rider, Scott Smart. Michael Rutter showed good pace early on before forced into being garage stricken with a clutch woe, although he still ended up eighth best. Michael Laverty and Billy McConnell rounded out the top ten.
Elsewhere, series returnees James Haydon and Sean Emmett were 12th and 23rd respectively. Haydon did crash his MSS Discovery Kawasaki early on, but rejoined unharmed and with little damage.
In the Daily Star Cup, John Laverty led the way in 13th overall, marginally ahead of double Snetterton winner Gary Mason.
