Samsung Honda’s Alex Lowes was the fastest rider Friday during MCE British Superbike testing at Brands Hatch. Lowes did a lap time of 46.098 seconds on the short Indy Course layout of the track. This weekend’s British Superbike event will take place on the longer Grand Prix layout of the track.
American PJ Jacobsen was 17th out of 24 riders on the Superbike testing time sheet with a lap of 47.612 seconds on his Tyco Suzuki GSX-R1000.
American Tommy Aquino was seventh-quickest in his session and 19th overall in the combined 1000cc Superstock testing times. Aquino did a time of 48.111 seconds on his Team WD-40 Kawasaki ZX-10R.
Americans Jayson Uribe (53.895 seconds)and Xavier Zayat (58.052 seconds) were 19th and 29th, respectively, in the 30-rider Monster Energy British Motostar testing session.
American Michael Corbino qualified 14th in the 32-rider Triumph Triple Challenge field, but DNF in Friday’s race. The Triumph Triple Challenge class will race a second time this weekend at Brands Hatch.
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision:
Round 6 Brands Hatch 19-20-21 July LOWES TOPS OFFICIAL TEST AS ANTICIPATION BUILDS FOR BRANDS HATCH RACES Results Official test 1:Alex Lowes (Samsung Honda) 46.098s 2:James Ellison (Milwaukee Yamaha) +0.210s 3:Ryuichi Kiyonari (Samsung Honda) +0.278s 4:Shane Byrne (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki) +0.407s 5:Josh Brookes (Tyco Suzuki) +0.410s 6:Jakub Smrz (Padgetts Honda) +0.710s Championship standings: 1:Shane Byrne (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki) 207 2:Alex Lowes (Samsung Honda) 175 3:Josh Brookes (Tyco Suzuki) 172 4:James Ellison (Milwaukee Yamaha) 160 5:Ryuichi Kiyonari (Samsung Honda) 83 6:Jon Kirkham (Buildbase BMW) 81 Report Alex Lowes enjoyed a confidence boosting performance in the official test ahead of the sixth round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch as he set the pace outgunning the series leading Shane Byrne at his home round. The Samsung Honda rider has promised to take the fight to Byrne, who is unbeaten in his last seven races on the Kent Grand Prix circuit. Lowes and Byrne shared a win apiece last time out at Snetterton and the pair will be pushing hard for the wins on Sunday. Lowes said: “I know that Shakey is going to be strong but we have had a good test today and it was important as we have made some improvements on the first section of the track which will definitely help us in the races. The job this weekend is to do the best we can and I want to try and stay ahead of Shakey again in qualifying tomorrow.” Byrne realises that he is the rider everyone wants to beat and used the test on the Indy circuit to fine tune his Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki ready for the qualifying and races on the Grand Prix circuit setting the fourth best time. The leading title contenders were split in the test today by James Ellison aboard the Milwaukee Yamaha; a rider eager to repeat his opening round success at the circuit. Samsung Honda’s three times title winner Ryuichi Kiyonari who is looking good to continue his recent upturn in form was third fastest ahead of Byrne.
Aussie Josh Brookes, third in the points standings, but still seeking his first win of the season despite a strong run of podium finishes aboard the Tyco Suzuki was fifth fastest. For more information please visit www.britishsuperbike.com