Jonathan Rea remains the man to beat in World Superbikes after topping the timesheets in Friday practice at Motorland Aragon. The championship leader, who has won three of the opening four races, edged out his teammate Tom Sykes as Kawasaki demonstrated their strength in this afternoon’s second session.
In the morning, Ducati made the brighter start with Chaz Davies six tenths quicker than any other make of motorcycle. The Welshman, a double winner here in the past with BMW, clocked a 1:52.009 to finish three tenths clear of his new teammate Xavi Fores, the current German Superbike champion, who has taken over the second Aruba.it Ducati in the continued absence of Davide Giugliano.
In the afternoon, Kawasaki took over with Sykes going straight to the top with a 1:51.566 before improving by another two tenths shortly afterwards. For a while, it appeared as though the 2013 champion would end the afternoon on top but with seconds remaining, Rea crept ahead with a 1:51.234 to maintain his superiority over his compatriot.
Davies and Fores both improved to secure third and fourth for Ducati with Leon Haslam the leading Aprilia in fifth, eight tenths down on his title rival. Alex Lowes fell from third in the morning to sixth overall on the Voltcom Crescent Suzuki, just ahead of PATA Honda’s Michael van der Mark, Nicolas Terol and reigning champion Sylvain Guintoli.
Home favourite Jordi Torres currently holds the last automatic spot in SP2 and tomorrow morning’s final practice session will determine the top ten riders who will be granted a guaranteed shot at pole position.
ARAGON ROUND: FREE PRACTICE CLASSIFICATION
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