Magny Cours World Supersport: Sofuoglu fastest with Hill second

Kenan Sofuoglu continued his domination of the World Supersport class by topping the time sheets in the first Free Practice session this morning in Magny Cours. Sofuoglu won last time out in Vallelunga and is focussed on win number eight, which will make him the most successful Supersport rider in terms of race wins in any one season.

Second place went to an impressive looking Tommy Hill, who despite only having completed a half day test at the French track ran at the front all session. Hill is currently without a ride for 2008 and will be looking to continue his pace to secure a job next year.

Spaniard David Checa finished the session in third place and put his pace down to his intimate knowledge of the track. Checa won last month 24 hour Bol’Dor with Yamaha GMT94 team-mate Sebastien Gimbert who didn’t fair as well down in 13th place.

Yamaha’s Broc Parkes completed a successful test at the circuit last month and will be focussed on a strong result after struggling last week in Vallelunga with front tyre grip.

Frenchman Fabien Foret came to life at his home track after a disappointing run of recent results. The Gil Kawasaki rider finished in fifth place ahead of fellow countryman and lap record holder Sebastien Charpentier.

Britain’s Craig Jones made a solid start to his weekend to finish in 11th place after overcoming steering problems on his Reve/Ekerold Honda.

British Supersport regular Joe Dickinson also made a one off appearance in the World Supersport class onboard the CRS Grand Prix Honda. In the opening session he finished in 32nd place.