Chili from Haga in first practice.

Veteran rider Pierfrancesco Chili showed that it could well be a good weekend for the Italian star by putting in the fastest time at Brands Hatch for this weekend's World Superbike event.

Chili was always there or thereabouts in a session which also saw Noriyuki Haga the fastest during its course.

Regis Laconi placed the third fastest time under mixed skies at the Kent UK race track. As a contrast to recent weeks in the UK, and the mixed weather that descended on Donington Park last weekend, dry weather and even blue skies and heat are predicted for this weekend.

Leon Haslam upheld British pride, despite his broken wrist, by setting the fourth fastest time, just ahead of current championship leader, James Toseland.

First qualifying takes place this afternoon...

Top ten times
1. Pierfrancesco Chilli 1m 28.394secs
2. Noriyuki Haga 1m 28.525secs
3. Regis Laconi 1m 28.646secs
4. Leon Haslam 1m 29.225secs
5. James Toseland 1m 29.335secs
6. Marco Borchiani 1m 29.361secs
7. Chris Vermeulen 1m 29.387secs
8. Troy Corser 1m 29.405secs
9. Craig Coxhell 1m 29.457secs
10. Gianluca Nannelli 1m 29.518secs