With an overnight electrical storm dampening the track at MotorLand Aragon, it looked as though the riders who would compete in the Tissot-Superpole was already determined, but as the Spanish sun once again emerged through the clouds, the final free practice session of the weekend was one of pure excitement as almost all of the riders improved significantly over yesterday’s times.

The Kawasaki Racing Team duo of reigning champion Tom Sykes and Loris Baz were the first to improve, followed by Aragon rookie Alex Lowes (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki) and current championship leader Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia Racing Team).

As the session progressed, the times continued to tumble with the top ten riders covered by 0.8s.

At the flag it was Marco Melandri who took his Aprilia Racing Team machine to the top spot ahead of Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team), Chaz Davies (Ducati Superbike Team) and the second Kawasaki of Loris Baz. Davide Giugliano (Ducati Superbike Team) was fifth, with Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia Racing Team) ending the morning in 6th.

Overnight pace setter Jonathan Rea (PATA Honda World Superbike Team) was the only rider in the top fifteen who failed to improve, ending the session 7th.

Fabien Foret (Mahi Racing Team India Kawasaki) was displaced in the final minutes by Michel Fabrizio (IRON BRAIN Grillini Kawasaki) ensuring his participation in Tissot-Superpole.

Niccolo Canepa (Althea Racing Ducati) remained on top in the EVO category as fellow EVO competitor Alessandro Andreozzi (Pedercini Kawasaki) suffered a spectacular crash at Turn 2, thankfully walking away uninjured.

For the all new Bimota Alstare Team  there was jubilation, as both riders, Ayrton Badovini and Christian Iddon made it into the top 20 at their first attempt.

The top ten riders are automatically now seeded into Superpole 2 where they will be joined by the fastest two riders from Superpole 1. The riders placed 21st and below will start from their respective places on tomorrow’s grid.