British Superbike title contender Glenn Irwin 15th in FP1 at Thruxton as Ryan Vickers sets early pace
Ryan Vickers topped the early time sheets in free practice at Thruxton on Friday as British Superbike title contender Glenn Irwin slotted into 15th position at the Hampshire circuit.
OMG Yamaha’s Vickers led the way in a time of 1m 16.037s from McAMS Yamaha rider Danny Kent, who was 0.289s behind.
Kyle Ryde was next (OMG Yamaha) followed by Jason O’Halloran on the Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki.
Championship leader Tommy Bridewell was sixth for Honda Racing UK behind Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW).
Reigning champion Bridewell is 19 points ahead of Carrickfergus rival Irwin going into round seven of the series this weekend.
In a close opening session, Irwin in 15th place on the Hager PBM Ducati was nine tenths down on Vickers.
Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing UK) was 18th fastest in FP1.
The second BSB free practice session on Friday is scheduled to run from 3:35p to 4:25pm.
In the Supersport class, Alastair Seeley was fourth fastest on the Binch Racing Yamaha in the first session, just under a second off the fastest time set by Luke Stapleford (Macadam Racing Triumph).
Title leader Jack Kennedy was second on for Honda Racing UK, while Lee Johnston – who is continuing his comeback following injury – was 15th on the Ashcourt Racing Triumph.
Gearlink Kawasaki’s Cameron Dawson made a strong start to finish FP1 in seventh ahead of fellow Northern Ireland rider Eugene McManus (ROKiT Haslam Racing Ducati).