BSB: Jason O'Halloran pips Tarran Mackenzie at the Donington Test

Jason O’Halloran continued his impressive pre-season form at Donington Park by topping the final one-day Bennetts British Superbike test before the new season. 

The McAMS Yamaha rider topped the final two sessions of the day, posting a best overall lap-time of 1:05.725 with his final flying lap of the day. The conditions were a blessing for the paddock following the disruption caused by the rain at the three-day Snetterton Test last month.

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O’Halloran knocked his McAMS Yamaha teammate Tarran Mackenzie off top spot and the duo were the only riders to dip into the 1:05s today. Kyle Ryde looked to have top spot in the bag until the Yamaha riders struck, but the Rich Energy OMG Racing rider had to settle for third overall. 

Glenn Irwin was fourth for Honda Racing UK, whilst 2015 Moto3 world champion Danny Kent continued to shine in fifth for Buildbase Suzuki. Kent topped the first session of the day and was only 0.415s off O’Halloran’s fastest time. 

Reigning champion Josh Brookes ended the final test in sixth spot, ahead of teammate Christian Iddon. Gino Rea, Lee Jackson and Peter Hickman completed the top 10. 

Ryan Vickers and Bradley Ray were 11th and 12th respectively, with the top 12 covered by less than a second. Rory Skinner ended his first Superbike pre-season in 13th, ahead of Tommy Bridewell and Andrew Irwin. Irwin had a couple of crashes today; at Redgate during the second session and then at Mcleans in session three.

Danny Buchan was 19th after a difficult day in the sunshine. Buchan crashed at Mcleans in the second session, bring out the red flag in the process. Fortunately, the SYNETIQ BMW rider was able to walk away unscathed. 

BSB newcomer Ryo Mizuno crashed at the final corner during session two and was consequently taken to the medical centre for a check-up. The Japanese rider did however make it back for the third and final session of the day, finishing 22nd overall.

Brian McCormack (Roberts) and Storm Stacey (Craner Curves) also suffered crashes on the final day of testing.

That concludes the pre-season tour for the 2021 season. The opening round takes place on June 25-27 at Oulton Park.