SBK, Phillip Island Test: Forés stands out, Melandri 3rd

A Monday to forget for the Superbikes. The intermittent rain complicated plan during this final pre-season test.  Rain, wind, sun and then more rain, just for a change: Monday brought it all, conditioning the day for everyone. In the afternoon, just after the session began, more race came down and then again with an hour to go. As if this weren't enough, some seagulls forced Race Direction to wave the red flag.  

Among the many unknowns, there was one surprise, in the shape of Xavi Forés. The Spanish Ducati rider waited for the final minutes before setting his best time and moving to the top of the timesheets. His fastest lap was completed in 1’31”412. The Panigale rider thus led the way, ahead of Johnny Rea and the Kawasaki.

The Northern Irishman completed 21 laps this afternoon, after having spent the morning in the garage due to the bad weather. Despite being four tenths back (+0.411), the world champion was able to keep the Ducati of Marco Melandri behind him (+0.804). He was the quickest of the Italians today, holding third after completing 39 laps. The Ravenna winner continues along his path just five days away from the inaugural race of the 2017 season.

The same goes for the Yamaha of Michael van der Mark. The Dutch rider concludes day one in fourth place (+1.028), followed by the MV Agusta of Leon Camier. The latter was unlucky, left on foot after a technical problem, but he was able to restart (+1.179).

Tom Sykes also concluded in the top positions (+1.251). The Kawasaki man worked on the details, ahead of the Kawasaki of Alex De Angelis in seventh. Just 0.024 of a second separated the two. Chaz Davies was a little further back (+1.311), choosing not to focus on times in these tricky conditions. Behind him was Lorenzo Savadori (+1.425), the fastest in the morning, and then Alex Lowes.

The Hondas of Hayden and Bradl closed outside of the top ten, in 12th and 11th respectively. The American and the German need to complete as many laps as possible with the Fireblade SP2, but the rain didn't allow that today. Testing continues tomorrow at 9:10am local time, with Superbike on track before the Supersport.