The first day of official testing got underway today at Phillip Island and saw Yakhnich Motorsport rider Sam Lowes top the timesheets for the Supersport class, ahead of reigning champion Kenan Sofuoglu (Mahi Racing Team India Kawasaki). Despite a late start in the afternoon session, Lowes got quickly up to speed, eventually setting a 1'33.950 lap time resulting in him being the only rider to get into the 1'33 lap time bracket.

Temperatures rose dramatically in the afternoon session - up to a 60° C on track and 35° C in the air - giving hard time to all Supersport riders. Third placed Vladimir Leonov fell down at turn 9 due to some oil on track and he was followed straight away by Mathew Scholtz (Suriano Racing Team Suzuki).

The young South African was quickly taken to Medical Centre to undergo checks that found no injuries. Red flag came out and the session was stopped - and ultimately ended - for track cleaning. Rookie Michael van der Mark (Pata Honda World Supersport Team) showed once again to be ready and steady for his debut World Supersport season by being consistently in the top positions.

The current European Superstock 600 Champion finished the second part in fifth position ahead of veteran Fabien Foret (Kawasaki Mahi Racing Team India) and Australian wildcard Josh Hook (Team Honda Racing). Massimo Roccoli (Team Pata by Martini Yamaha) and Fabio Menghi (VFT Racing Yamaha) were 8th and 9th, followed by 2011 runner up David Salom (Intermoto Ponyexpres Kawasaki) and ParkinGO MV Agusta Corse duo of Roberto Rolfo and Christian Iddon.



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