Rain brings British Superbike test to premature end

Persistent monsoon showers brought the first day of the two-day official British Superbike test at Croft to a premature end.

Rain caused disruption throughout the day but each class got two sessions each before a flooded track ended proceedings just after 3pm.

Knockhill double winner Jonathan Rea (HM Plant Honda) didn’t even get to go out at all, already more than happy with his wet-weather  performance in Scotland but the team was hoping for some dry weather track time on Wednesday to do some tyre testing.

Team-mate Ryuichi Kiyonari did venture out but only did a handful of laps, as did the remainder of the British Superbike riders.

Shane Byrne (Vent Axia Honda) was planning to ride in the afternoon session until that was cancelled, but like Jonathan Rea was happy enough with his wet weather settings but wanted to try some stuff in the dry.

Karl Harris (Hydrex Honda) was the only casualty of the day. He crashed in the first session of the day going into Tower Bend and suffered extensive bruising to his left hip.

He said: “I was only on my second lap so I was steady away but the rear came around as I rolled the throttle and the bike snapped sideways and ejected me.  I’m sore but a hot bath and I should be right for tomorrow.”