FP1 at the Losail International circuit was headed by Jonathan Rea (Pata Honda World Superbike Team) after an enthralling 45 minute session, held under the circuit’s impressive floodlight system for the first time in WSBK history.

The session, used by many as a familiarisation saw lap times tumble throughout with riders less than 2 seconds from the outright circuit best lap of 1.57.280 set in 2009 by Ben Spies.

Rea, who moved back to the top spot in the final 90 seconds of the session held of Loris Baz (Kawasaki Racing Team) and fellow circuit rookie Alex Lowes (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki) who completed the top 3.

The session started with all riders keen to make the most of the track time available as both Jonathan Rea (Pata Honda World Superbike Team) and Davide Giugliano (Ducati Superbike Team) each took a turn to head the times.

Alex Lowes took over proceedings after ten minutes, the British rider looking comfortable and fast aboard his Voltcom Crescent Suzuki.

By half distance championship rivals Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) and Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia Racing Team) had moved into contention, as had Toni Elias (Red Devils Roma Aprilia) before almost all of the riders improved in the final minutes, as was expected.

Behind the top three Sylvain Guintoli was 4th ahead of Eugene Laverty, making his final appearance for Voltcom Crescent Suzuki and Marco Melandri (Aprilia Racing Team). Toni Elias dropped to 7th while reigning champ and current championship leader Tom Sykes could only manage 9th at the flag.

In the EVO category, the accolade of being the best classified rider went to Italian Niccolo Canepa (Althea Racing Ducati) who ended FP1 in a credible 8th overall.

4 time Qatari Superbike Champion and WSBK debutant Alex Cudlin finished his first ever session for Pedercini Kawasaki in 14th overall.

There was positive news from the Team Hero EBR pit as Geoff May edged his team mate Aaron Yates, the pair finishing in 20th and 21st overall with Geoff currently holding the final Superpole position.

FP2 will take place at 2000 local time, with FP3 (the final chance for riders to guarantee a place in Tissot-Superpole) scheduled to take place at 2315 local time this evening.