Cal Crutchlow moved to the top of the timesheets ahead of qualifying for the seventh round of the Bennetts British Superbike at
Oulton Park, although it is the weather that is likely to define proceedings for the remainder of the day.
With persistent showers and strong winds restricting running and even causing the session to be stopped briefly, the difficult conditions could well see qualifying become something of a lottery.
Interestingly, while HM Plant Honda and Rizla Suzuki put in plenty of wet-weather running whilst they had the chance, Airwaves Ducati duo Shane Byrne and Leon Camier, as well as Friday pace setter Karl Harris, stayed inside the pits for the duration.
Their absence allowed Crutchlow to assume the initiative, the two-time winner leading for much of the session. His closest competition came in the surprising shape of Billy McConnell, the MSS Discovery Kawasaki rider sneaking into second with his final lap.
It was a good session all round for the unsung heroes of the championship, with James Ellison third quickest, ahead of Honda counterpart Leon Haslam.
Tom Sykes was up at the sharp end once again in fifth, with James Haydon completing MSS Discovery's good session in sixth place. Tristan Palmer showed off his wet weather prowess again in seventh, while Scott Smart in eighth ensured that Honda and Kawasaki riders filled out seven of the top ten places.
Mallory Park stars Michael Laverty and Michael Rutter rounded out the top ten, while Gary Mason led the way in the Daily Star Cup with the 11th best time overall.
Attention now turns to qualifying where organisers will be looking to avoid any more red flags after the practice session was stopped for twenty minutes courtesy of standing water at Old Hall and Knickerbrook.
