The Xerox Ducati rider posted a time of 1min 40.160secs to head the cool session. His team-mate, Lorenzo Lanzi joined him in second place having led the session briefly towards the end. Both riders will start from row two of the grid following a tough Superpole which produced some blistering lap times.
The Yamaha Italia team were also sticking together with Troy Corser in third and Noriyuki Haga in fourth position. Corser was hoping for cool conditions on race day as it would benefit his tyre choice, so far he has got what he wanted with almost chilly conditions greeting the paddock.
The Championship leader, James Toseland on the Hannspree Ten Kate Honda cruised home in fifth place ahead of what will be a very difficult day on track.
Toseland is running a Roger Burnett replica helmet for race day as a tribute to, and to say thanks to his personal manager who has helped guide his career.
Ruben Xaus on the Sterilgarda Ducati was in sixth ahead of front row starter Max Neukirchner on the Alstare Corona Extra Suzuki. French rider Regis Laconi on the PSG-1 Kawasaki was circulating in eighth place with Max Biaggi in ninth.
Roberto Rolfo, team-mate to Toseland completed the top ten.
WSBK warm-up times – Magny-Cours:
1.
Troy Bayliss
2.
Lorenzo Lanzi
3.
Troy Corser
4.
Noriyuki Haga
5.
James Toseland
6.
Ruben Xaus
7. Max Neukirchner
8.
Regis Laconi
9. Max Biaggi
10. Roberto Rolfo
