The opening Free Practice session of the WorldSBK weekend at Donington Park, the first of three 45 minute encounters today, was topped by Leon Camier who looked strong from the start to take MV Agusta Reparto Corse to the top of the standings for the first time since the iconic marque returned to the series. The top 4 riders were covered by a mere 0.063s.

After being stopped almost immediately after Niccolo Canepa’s Grillini Kawasaki suffered a technical problem, the session resumed with everyone except the Italian looking to find the ultimate setting. The opening 45 minutes was especially important with the Tissot-Superpole participants being decided today.

Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team), last year’s Poleman Davide Giugliano (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati SBK) and his team mate Chaz Davies completed the top 4 that produced almost identical lap times in an enthralling session.

Championship leader Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) took 5th ahead of another impressive performance by Italian Ayrton Badovini (BMW Motorrad Italia) who claimed 6th.

Leon Haslam (Aprilia Racing Team – Red Devils), Sylvain Guintoli (Pata Honda World Superbike Team), David Salom (Team Pedercini) and Matteo Baiocco (Althea Racing) completed the top ten at this early stage of proceedings.

Current top rookie in the overall championship standings Jordi Torres (Aprilia Racing Team – Red Devils) managed 13th as he got to grips with the British track. He finished just behind reigning World Supersport Champion Michael van der Mark (Pata Honda World Superbike Team).