Davide Giugliano (Ducati Superbike Team) was the fastest rider in the opening Free Practice session at Imola this morning. Riding in the hottest conditions of the season so far, the Italian ended the session marginally quicker than his nearest rival, Jonathan Rea (Pata Honda World Superbike Team).

From the start of the session both Aprilia Racing Team riders (Sylvain Guintoli and Marco Melandri) set the pace with reigning Champion Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) in hot pursuit. As the riders settled into their rhythm the lap times tumbled and several riders challenged for the number one spot, but at the flag it was Giuglinao who ended FP1 on top with a time of 1.48.329 to edge out Rea who improved to second ahead of Guintoli with his final lap.

Behind Giugliano, Rea and Guintoli the top six was completed by Chaz Davies (Ducati Superbike Team), Marco Melandri and Tom Sykes. David Salom (Kawasaki Racing Team) would end up the fastest rider in the EVO category, finishing a respectable 9th overall and only 1.7s from Giugliano and 0.2s faster than wildcard rider Ivan Goi (Barni Racing Team Ducati) who was the second EVO classified rider. Eugene Laverty (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki) struggled throughout the session with set-up, managing only one flying lap to finish 18th.