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They had to wait for the sun to dry the track before heading out. Only in the afternoon did conditions at Portimao improve, allowing the big names to take to the track.
Best time of the day for Chaz Davies and the Ducati, setting a time of 1’42”594. The Welshman was the only rider to duck under l’1’43”, closing at the head of the pack after completing 44 laps. He closes ahead of a surprising Eugene Laverty. The Milwaukee rider, in the shadows at Jerez, didn't hold back today, riding his Aprilia to the second fastest time of the day. He is however just over half a second behind the Borgo Panigale bike (+0.524). Behind him is Marco Melandri, who tried to stay on track as long as possible, completing one lap more than his team-mate. The Italian closes in third, over six tenths behind Chaz (+0.658).
Just 0.074 of a second before Marco is Lorenzo Savadori, who once again confirms his talents as he embarks on this new Milwaukee adventure. The Italian wants to stand-out on the Aprilia in 2017 and he's definitely starting out on the right foot. Leon Haslam (+0.959) sets the fifth quickest time with Puccetti's Kawasaki. He'll be back on track tomorrow, standing in for Swiss rider Krummenacher.
Sixth for the MV Agusta of Leon Camier (+1.113), missing from the Jerez tests, with Xavi Forés and the Ducati just 0.024 of a second behind him. The first of the BMWs is that of Raffaele De Rosa. Standing in for Torres this weekend, he proved to be the fastest in the Althea camp, four tenths quicker than Markus Reiterberger, who spent more time on track than any other Superbike rider. Riccardo Russo is further back, making his debut Guandalini.
The Kawasakis of Rea and Sykes are not at Portimao, while the Hondas of Hayden and Bradl were on track without transponders. Testing continues tomorrow at 10am.
Portimao test - Saturday's times
