2013 WorldSBK Champion Tom Sykes recorded the fastest lap of both the second session and the first day of testing in Phillip Island, taking his Kawasaki ZX-10R around the 12 corners of the Australian track in 1’31.097, 0.196 seconds ahead of teammate and reigning Champion Jonathan Rea. In a session interrupted by rain and red flags, Althea BMW’s Jordi Torres slotted into P3 ahead of MotoGP Legend Nicky Hayden on the Honda in P4, with 2014 WorldSBK Champion Sylvain Guintoli moving his Yamaha YZF R1 into the Top 5 for the first time with a 1’31.583. On the combined timesheets however, Honda rider Michael Van Der Mark retained his P3 with a faster lap from the morning session, the only rider in the top ten to fail to improve in the afternoon.

With light rain a constant threat throughout most of the day, the second session also saw stoppages for red flags and crashes for many riders including Milwaukee pair Abraham and Brookes for separate incidents at turn 11, as well as Peter Sebestyen, Dominic Schmitter and 2015 title contender Chaz Davies. Davies, who escaped unhurt from a fall at the final turn on his Panigale R, ended the day in ninth on the combined timesheets with a tenth and a half advantage over Aruba.it Ducati teammate Davide Giugliano as Barni Racing Team’s Xavi Fores proved the fastest 1199 Panigale R of the day.

Sykes was also quickest at the previous preseason test in Jerez and is motivated about the chance to win back his 2013 crown. WorldSBK will be back on track tomorrow for the final day of preparations before the race meeting proper, with Friday the 26th kicking off the Australian Round of WorldSBK 2016. 

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