Michael Laverty set the pace on the opening day of the official MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship test at Snetterton, firing the Tyco BMW to the top of the times in the closing stages of the final session.

Laverty had snatched the advantage from Luke Mossey after the pair traded blows at the top of the times throughout the final ten minutes and the Tyco BMW rider remained ahead at the chequered flag with Alastair Seeley holding third for the RAF Reserves BMW team at their home circuit.

Honda Racing’s Jason O’Halloran charged up the order in the closing stages to hold fourth position, pushing James Ellison on the leading JG Speedfit Kawasaki back to fifth with Christian Iddon holding off Tommy Bridewell for sixth. The Bennetts Suzuki rider had been the fastest rider on the track in the opening session, dropping to seventh on combined times with Peter Hickman finishing narrowly ahead of team-mate Leon Haslam. The ‘Pocket Rocket’ had bounced back from a small crash at Agostini to end the day ninth fastest on his first visit to the 300 circuit.

John Hopkins on the ePayMe Yamaha completed the top ten ahead of tomorrow’s second and final day on track.

MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship, Snetterton official test, day one combined times:

Michael Laverty (Tyco BMW) 1m:48.102s
Luke Mossey (Quattro Plant Teccare Kawasaki) +0.354s
Alastair Seeley (RAF Reserves BMW) +0.423s
Jason O’Halloran (Honda Racing) +0.568s
James Ellison (JG Speedfit Kawasaki) +0.584s
Christian Iddon (Tyco BMW) +0.684s
Tommy Bridewell (Bennetts Suzuki) +0.941s
Peter Hickman (JG Speedfit Kawasaki) +1.084s
Leon Haslam (JG Speedfit Kawasaki) +1.095s
John Hopkins (ePayMe Yamaha) +1.186s


Michael Laverty (Tyco BMW)

“It has been a pretty good test for us as we have had a lot to cram in as we were only doing the one day and it is nice to finish fastest. I am happy with the improvements we have made with the rear shock setting, as we had a little bit of a weaker area on the side of the tyre at the earlier rounds.

“The team and Hutchy came up with a setting and that seemed like a good step in that area. We have a good base setting here for a couple of weeks time and we are in a strong position so it has been a good day and we are ready for Knockhill.”