Brands Hatch BSB: Graham Gowland tops first session

Graham Gowland set the pace in this morning’s first test session prior to the weekend’s first round of the MCE British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch.

The BY Team WFR Honda rider clocked a best time of 46.19s but then crashed on the final lap of the session at Surtees. He was unhurt.

Gowland’s team-mate Alex Lowes was second quickest with a 46.19s lap.

Shane Byrne had been the quickest through most of the session but ended up third on the Rapid Solicitor Kawasaki with a time of 46.35.

Josh Brookes (46.44), Michael Laverty (46.50) and Stuart Easton (46.55) completed the top six.

Defending champion Tommy Hill was 13th quickest on the Swan Yamaha, team-mate Noriyuki Haga was 21st.

Chris Walker was eighth quickest but also crashed on the final lap.