Tommy Hill started the triple header weekend at Brands Hatch with a quick lap around the circuit during the first official test of the weekend. Hill beat out title contenders Shane Byrne and Michael Laverty, but it was Graeme Gowland who set the second fastest time of the day.
The BSB riders were given a little extra time during the first official test at the Kent Grand Prix circuit as they prepare for three crucial races. The BSB riders have just two events left to decide the 6 title fighters who will race for the championship in the closing rounds of the season.
Hill, who is currently third in the standings, is more than 50 points behind season leader Shane Byrne. Hill was able to get the best of Byrne today by .16 seconds.
"It's a great start to the weekend to have been fastest in the official test but tomorrow is going to be all change and that is where the real fight starts," Hill said. "We have used the session today to ensure that everything is running right and I am feeling pretty good and ready for qualifying and the first race.
"Tomorrow with practice, qualifying and races it is going to be a big day for everyone and there is no doubting that it is going to be close out there but we are going to be aiming for those important Podium Credits in the first race tomorrow."
Gowland, of the WFR Honda team, was able to beat Byrne by .01 seconds at the end of the session, while Michael Laverty finished just .02 seconds behind the season leader.
British Superbike - Brands Hatch - First Official Test
- Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) 45.981s
- Graeme Gowland (WFR Honda) +0.126s
- Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda) +0.136s
- Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) +0.154s
- Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +0.340s
- Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki WSB) +0.417s
- Chris Walker (Pr1mo Racing Kawasaki) +0.438s
- Michael Rutter (Rapid Solicitors-Bathams Ducati) +0.520s
- Martin Jessopp (Rapid Solicitors-Bathams Ducati) +0.527s
- Gary Mason (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +0.613s
