Monza WSS: Coghlan fastest in first practice

Kevin Coghlan (DMC-Lorenzini Kawasaki) made the best of tricky damp track conditions at the fast Monza circuit to lead the field in the first timed Supersport World Championship qualifying session today (Friday).

The Scot led a three rider Kawasaki surge to the top of the early rankings, with Andrea Antonelli (Goeleven) and Kenan Sofuoglu (Mahi Racing Team India) his closest rivals.

Only this trio broke the two minute mark on a track that was treacherously wet but drying slowly in patches. Coghlan’s time was a 1’59.339 but the lap record in perfect conditions sits at 1’47.767, set by Eugene Laverty in 2010.

Sam Lowes had been the free practice leader in the morning session on his Yakhnich Yamaha but after a fall in qualifying and only setting two laps he had to settle for a provisional 13th place.

Sheridan Morais (PTR Honda) came back to WSS action in fourth place despite a still injured right shoulder and he was fastest Honda rider. Lorenzo Zanetti (Pata Honda World Supersport) placed fifth at his first home round of the year.

Jack Kennedy (Rivamoto Honda) was 9th today, Christian Iddon (ParkinGo MV Agusta) 12th, one place up on Lowes.

Weather conditions for Saturday and Sunday are supposed to be dry, according to local weather forecasts.