Assen WSB: Lowes fastest after wet opening day

Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team) topped the combined best times on day one at a wet Assen, posting a strong lap of 1’52.701 near the end of the second one hour long practice session in the WorldSBK championship round in the Netherlands.

A late deluge on what was an improving track surface, despite the low track temperature of 11°C, prevented any of the riders making improvements on the final laps.

Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) looked like he would lead after a series of quick and competitive laps but Lowes pushed on at the right time to head up the combined times.

Sylvain Guintoli (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team) made it another good practice session for the returning official Yamaha team, in third, with privateer Ducati rider Xavi Fores (Barni Racing Team Ducati) the fastest Panigale rider, fourth.

Top Honda rider proved to be Nicky Hayden (Honda World Superbike Team) in fifth place. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) coasted to a halt midway through the afternoon session and finished up sixth.

The works Ducati battle went the way of Davide Giugliano (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in seventh.

Lorenzo Savadori (IodaRacing Team Aprilia), second session faller Michael van der Mark (Honda World Superbike Team) and double Motorland Aragon race winner Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) rounded out the top ten.