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SBK, FP2: Rea lays down the law, Melandri 4th

The Northern Irish rider demonstrates an unbeatable race pace, ahead of Sykes and Davies, Savadori 11th, the Hondas of Bradl and Hayden outside the top ten

SBK: FP2: Rea lays down the law, Melandri 4th

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He once again plays the starring role. The afternoon's session proves to be a photocopy of the first, as Johnny Rea once again shows his strength, proving to be the quickest on Friday. He improves on his morning's performance by two tenths, stopping the clock on 1’33”573. Aside from the flying lap, what's more impressive is the Northern Irish rider's race pace, as he lapped consistently in the low 1’34s during a 20-lap race simulation. Right now, no-one is able to come close, confirming the current world champ's superiority.

In second place is the Kawasaki of Tom Sykes (+0.210). The Brit takes a step forward with respect to the first session, improving by a good half second. Rider #66 precedes Chaz Davies on the Ducati, again in third place just like FP1, while someone who doesn't take a step forward is Marco Melandri (+0.420). The Italian doesn't improve on 1’33”996, having to settle for fourth place, only 0.020 ahead of the Yamaha of Alex Lowes, who is showing improvement.

The Brit is followed by Xavi Forés on the Panigale (+0.601), just 0.071 ahead of the BMW of Jordi Torres and R1 of van der Mark. Despite a gap of one second, the Aprilia of Eugene Laverty also enters the top ten (+0.945), 36 thousandths quicker than that of Savadori.  

The Hondas of Bradl and Hayden are again playing catch up. This time it is the German who is the quicker of the pair, two tenths up on the American with the twelfth fastest time. But he's more than one second from the front. Leon Camier is also struggling, finally on track after the morning's issues with his MV Agusta. He's fourteenth, followed by Krummenacher and Russo, then De Angelis, Badovini 19th. 

Translated by Heather Watson
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