Eleven-times Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix winner Guy Martin left it late to post the fastest speed during untimed practice at Dundrod on Wednesday in the Superbike class.

The Lincolnshire rider clocked 116.121mph on the Tyco BMW S1000RR to put down an early marker at the ‘World’s Fastest Road Race’.

Clerk of the Course Noel Johnston took the decision to run the Superbike session as free practice due to damp roads around Dundrod, with Thursday’s final qualifying sessions now set to determine the grid positions for the Dundrod 150 Superbike race and both feature races at the Ulster Grand Prix on Saturday’s main bill.

Behind Martin, Manx racer Conor Cummins – back at the event after missing out last year through injury – was second fastest on the Honda Racing Fireblade with a lap of 115.458mph, leaving him 1.3 seconds behind the leader.

Guy at the Ulster GP on Wednesday

Ballymoney’s William Dunlop was third for Tyco BMW with a speed of 114.627mph, almost three seconds behind his team-mate, with Russ Mountford fourth (Kawasaki).

Isle of Man TT hero Ian Hutchinson was next up on the PBM Kawasaki at 114.144mph, narrowly ahead of Scotsman Keith Amor on the Rig Deluge BMW, who completed the first six.

Ivan Lintin on the RC Express Kawasaki and Padgetts Honda rider Dan Kneen were the top eight.

Mar-Train Racing’s Dean Harrison lapped at 113.420mph in ninth on the R1M with the top ten with Dublin man Derek Sheils on the BikeBits NI Kawasaki in 10th position.

Outright lap record holder Bruce Anstey was 11th with a lap of 113.098mph, while Michael Dunlop was 14th on the Buildbase BMW (113.027mph).