Honda's Jonathan Rea 18th on Friday in World Superbike free practice at Portimao after crash disrupts afternoon progress

Jonathan Rea ended day one of the Portuguese World Superbike round 18th fastest on the combined free practice qualifying times after a crash in the afternoon session.

Rea, 17th in FP1 in the morning, came off the factory Honda on the change of direction at Turns 10-11.

placeholder image — Jonathan Rea is filling in for the injured Jake Dixon in the Honda HRC team this weekend at Portimao in Portugal. (Photo credit: HRC)

The Northern Ireland rider ended Friday as the fastest Honda on track, with team-mate and WSBK rookie Somkiat Chantra in 20th, four tenths slower than Rea.

England’s Sam Lowes topped the time sheets on the Marc VDS Racing Ducati V4R, leading both free practice sessions.

Lowes’ FP2 lap of 1m 39.941s was 0.247s faster than championship leader Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Ducati).

Yari Montella was third quickest for the Barni Spark Racing team as Ducati locked out the first three places, followed by Alex Lowes on the bimota.

Six-time champion Rea’s best lap in 1m 41.578s was 1.627s slower than Lowes. The 39-year-old Honda test rider is standing in this weekend for the injured Jake Dixon.

Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Ducati) and Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Ducati) completed the top six.

Tarran Mackenzie was 14th fastest on the MGM Optical Express Racing Ducati, one place ahead of Tommy Bridewell (Superbike Advocates Ducati).

The top six in free practice at Portimao:

1. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) 1’39.941s 2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) +0.247s 3. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.410s 4. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.501s 5. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) +0.517s 6. Álvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.535

18. Jonathan Rea (Team HRC) +1.627s