BSB: Haslam leads Rea on day one in Assen

Leon Haslam edged Gino Rea to the top spot on the opening day of the penultimate round of the 2019 Bennetts British Superbike championship at Assen.

The series leader’s time of 1’36.535 placed him 0.138 seconds clear of the former World Supersport and Moto2 star, who has come into his own at the European track.

Haslam was down in 16^th in the morning’s FP1 after spending the session evaluating the harder option rear tyre, which he hasn’t run since the first round at Donington, but was instantly on the pace when he turned to the soft rubber in FP2.

Championship contender Jake Dixon was third quickest for RAF Regular and Reserves Kawasaki.

McAMS Yamaha’s Tarran Mackenzie enjoyed a strong opening day to place fourth ahead of the leading Ducati of Tommy Bridewlel.

Luke Mossey was sixth quickest on the second JG Speedfit Kawasaki ahead of Be Wiser Ducati’s Glenn Irwin.

Josh Brookes was eighth, ahead of fellow Yamaha rival James Ellison, whose Anvil Hire TAG Racing team have switched from K-Tech to Ohlins suspension this weekend. The Cumbrian was third fastest in FP1. Peter Hickman completed the top ten.