Aragon WSB: Ducati duo lead first session

Regular Ducati rider Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing- Ducati WSB) stuck in the fastest early lap at Motorland Aragon in the first free practice session, posting a 1’52.009 that was 0.356 seconds faster than temporary Ducati factory rider Xavi Fores.

At the new look Aragon layout for the WSB riders – now the same 5.077km length and layout as the one used by the MotoGP class – Davies overcame his preference for the old final hairpin and chicane section to take the fastest time, although he still feels he has issues on the long straight in relation to his four-cylinder rivals, even at one of his favourite circuits.

“I probably preferred the old layout of the final corner but there is only one straight here and a long downhill run onto it, so it is not as critical,” said Davies.

“We are not going from nothing and it not being stinking hot helps us a little bit more. There are a few factors that should limit the damage but it still looks like I am losing a tenth down there to the other competitors.”

Alex Lowes (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki) scored third with his new electronics package aboard early on, while KRT Riders Tom Sykes and Jonathan Rea were fourth and fifth respectively.

Leon Haslam was only 10th on his official Aprilia, one place behind his team-mate Jordi Torres.

After a torrid time for the Hero EBR team in the first two rounds Niccolo Canepa placed his big V-twin 14th of the 23 riders on track in the first session.