Brno World Superbikes: Craig Jones fourth in opening WSS Practice

Briton Craig Jones finished fourth fastest in the opening World Supersport Free Practice session in Brno this morning.

The Parkalgar Honda rider spent time at the top of the timesheets but was relegated to fourth by three of his main championship rivals, Josh Brookes, Andrew Pitt and Broc Parkes.

The Czech Republic track has recently been resurfaced which has improved grip but reduced tyre life.

The resurfacing has also drastically reduced the amount of bumps around the fast flowing circuit and as a result lap times are expected to tumble during qualifying this afternoon just as long as it stays dry.

Speaking to MCN, Jones said:

“It was a bit of a weird session. There was so much grip and so little bumps that I felt like I was riding a stock 600 because I could just get on the gas as hard as I wanted. I did a long run and although the front tyre was pretty destroyed I did my fastest lap at the end.”

Chris Walker finished the session in 15th having spent the entire session on the same tyre and like Jones set his quickest lap on his penultimate lap.

Jonathan Rea used the opening 45 minute stint acclimatising himself to the the fast and undulating track and finished 19th, with Graeme Gowland 27th also making his first appearance at Brno.

1 25 J. BROOKES AUS Hannspree Stiggy Motors. Honda Honda CBR600RR 2’05.181

2 88 A. PITT AUS Hannspree Ten Kate Honda Honda CBR600RR 2’05.224

3 23 B. PARKES AUS Yamaha World Supersport Yamaha YZF-R6 2’05.458

4 18 C. JONES GBR Parkalgar Racing Team Honda CBR600RR 2’05.465

5 31 V. KALLIO FIN Benjan Racing Team Honda CBR600RR 2’05.629

6 127 R. HARMS DEN Hannspree Stiggy Motors. Honda Honda CBR600RR 2’05.660

7 105 G. VIZZIELLO ITA Berry Racing Honda CBR600RR 2’05.749

8 99 F. FORET FRA Yamaha World Supersport Yamaha YZF-R6 2’05.815

9 14 M. LAGRIVE FRA Intermoto Czech Honda CBR600RR 2’05.966

10 69 G. NANNELLI ITA Hannspree Honda Althea Honda CBR600RR 2’06.006

11 8 M. AITCHISON AUS Triumph Italia BE1 Racing Triumph 675 2’06.205

12 21 K. FUJIWARA JPN Kawasaki Gil Motor Sport Kawasaki ZX-6R 2’06.336

13 77 B. VENEMAN NED RES Software Hoegee Suzuki Suzuki GSX-R600 2’06.425

14 47 I. CLEMENTI ITA Triumph Italia BE1 Racing Triumph 675 2’06.530

15 9 C. WALKER GBR Kawasaki Gil Motor Sport Kawasaki ZX-6R 2’06.542

16 30 J. GÜNTHER GER Benjan Racing Team Honda CBR600RR 2’07.015

17 26 J. LASCORZ ESP Glaner Motocard.com Honda CBR600RR 2’07.051

18 83 D. VAN KEYMEULEN BEL RES Software Hoegee Suzuki Suzuki GSX-R600 2’07.267

19 65 J. REA GBR Hannspree Ten Kate Honda Honda CBR600RR 2’07.596

20 44 D. SALOM ESP Yamaha Spain Yamaha YZF-R6 2’07.719

21 55 M. ROCCOLI ITA Yamaha Lorenzini by Leoni Yamaha YZF-R6 2’07.745

22 11 R. HOLLAND AUS Hannspree Honda Althea Honda CBR600RR 2’08.020

23 38 G. LEBLANC FRA CRS Grand Prix Honda CBR600RR 2’08.136

24 34 B. NEMETH HUN Factory Racing Honda CBR600RR 2’08.267

25 17 M. PRAIA POR Parkalgar Racing Team Honda CBR600RR 2’08.501

26 117 D. SACCHETTI ITA Factory Racing Honda CBR600RR 2’08.708

27 81 G. GOWLAND GBR Berry Racing Honda CBR600RR 2’09.356

28 37 W.DE ANGELIS RSM Intermoto Czech Honda CBR600RR 2’09.455

29 12 J. HIDALGO ESP Yamaha Spain Yamaha YZF-R6 2’09.616

30 199 D. DELL’OMO ITA HP Racing Team Honda CBR600RR 2’09.879

31 4 L. ALFONSI ITA CRS Grand Prix Honda CBR600RR 2’09.966

32 51 S. BARRAGAN ESP Glaner Motocard.com Honda CBR600RR 2’10.425

33 24 G. MCCOY AUS Triumph – SC Triumph 675 2’10.439

34 28 R. SCAMBIA ITA Triumph – SC Triumph 675 2’14.580