Photo Courtesy of the British Superbike Series
Tyco Suzuki’s John Hopkins topped the time sheets at Donington Park today, beating out the lead trio in the British Superbike Series title chase – Shane Byrne, Ryuichi Kiyonari and Josh Brookes. Hopkins, who pulled off the double at Donington back in 2011, threw down his fast time on the final lap and was happy to return to the top.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Hopkins said. “I’m just excited we’ve gone well today. The conditions have been good and the bike feels really good. It’s never easy but I felt comfortable today. I was actually surprised at how quick the lap time was coming as I wasn’t stressed and going balls out for one lap – so far it is so good.”
Championship leader Byrne, on the Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki, was fastest first in the second session, snatching the position from series rival Ryuichi Kiyonari on the Buildbase BMW. The pair have already qualified for the Showdown for the championship and continue what is being dubbed the ‘War for Four’ as both Byrne and Kiyonari hold three British Superbike titles. Milwaukee Yamaha’s Josh Brookes ended the day in fourth.
Quattro Plant Kawasaki’s Dan Linfoot was fifth in his efforts to secure his position in the Showdown and sitting one above the cutoff ahead of Chris Walker, who currently lies sixth in the overall standings. Walker ended his day in 13th on the Lloyds British GBmoto Kawasaki.
On the outside looking in is Byrne’s teammate Stuart Easton finished seventh and needs to close the 34-point deficit on Walker this weekend to make the cut for the Showdown.
Brooke’s teammate Tommy Bridewell – who sits well to make the Showdown in fourth – finished eighth ahead of Bathams BMW’s Patric Muff. Rounding out the top 10 was Linfoot’s teammate Howie Mainwaring.
2014 British Superbike Series
Donington Park
Free Practice Two Results
1. John Hopkins (Tyco Suzuki) 1:29.717
2. Shane Byrne (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki) 1:29.775
3. Ryuichi Kiyonari (Buildbase BMW) 1:29.866
4. Josh Brookes (Milwaukee Yamaha) 1:30.029
5. Dan Linfoot (Quattro Plant Kawasaki) 1:30.221
6. James Westmoreland (Buildbase BMW) 1:30.251
7. Stuart Easton (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki) 1:30.485
8. Tommy Bridewell (Milwaukee Yamaha) 1:30.627
9. Patric Muff (Bathams BMW) 1:30.736
10. Howie Mainwaring (Quattro Plant Kawasaki) 1:30.905
