Rutter tops BSB practice

Michael Rutter has topped the first day at Oulton Park for the fourth round of the British Superbike championship.

Rutter ended the second free practice session more than 1.6 seconds ahead of second fastest rider, Hawk Kawasaki’s Glen Richards.

Conditions have been tricky at the circuit with rain hampering the first session and the track remaining damp throughout the afternoon session.

The Airwaves Ducati’s were joined forces to hold the next two places with Leon Haslam taking the third fastest lap, 1.9 seconds down, and Gregorio Lavilla a further .7 seconds down in fourth.

Privateer rider Steve Brogan impressed by taking his PR Branson Honda to the fifth fastest lap ahead of the Rizla Suzuki’s of James Haydon and Scott Smart.

Ryuichi Kiyonari isn’t riding at Oulton Park after his crash at the last round at Mallory Park left him with concussion and a chipped bone in his ankle.

Free practice positions:

Rutter

Richards

Haslam

Lavilla

Brogan

Haydon

Smart

Emmett

Laverty, J

Laverty, M

Beaumont

Mason

McGuiness

Clarke

Harris

Plater

Da Costa

Wilson

Rea

Medd

Thomas

Kirkham

Nutt

Wren

Ashley

Palmer

Pensavalle

Glynn

Buckingham

Hobbs