BSB: Brookes quickest on opening day at Oulton

Josh Brookes led the way on the opening day of the 2017 MCE British Superbike Showdown after lapping within a tenth of the lap record at Oulton Park.

The Aussie’s time placed him 0.177sec ahead of Showdown rival Jake Dixon with Tyco BMW’s Christian Iddon, who topped the morning’s wet session, third quickest and leading non-Showdown rider.

The afternoon’s dry free practice session was halted momentarily after a mechanical issue for Riders Motorcycles BMW’s Martin Jessopp, who crashed unhurt at Old Hall as a result of that technical problem.

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John Hopkins got off to a strong start with the MotoRapido Ducati squad to sit fourth fastest at the end of the opening day ahead of Leon Haslam and Jason O’Halloran.

James Ellison was seventh for McAMS Yamaha ahead of Peter Hickman in eighth.

Rookie Bradley Ray continues to enjoy a strong debut Suzuki and was fifth fastest for Buildbase Suzuki while Tommy Bridwell rounded out the top ten.

It was a tough day for series leader Shane Byrne, who was a second off the pace and 11^th quickest for Be Wiser Ducati. Luke Mossey, who continues to struggle with his broken back, was 12^th. 

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