Florian Marino (Kawasaki Intermoto Ponyexpres) was quickest on the opening day of the 3rd round of the World Supersport championship at Assen.

The threat of rain thankfully subsided for both of today’s 45 minute free practice sessions with Michael Van Der Mark (Pata Honda World Supersport Team) giving the home crowd something to smile about in the cold conditions this morning before being toppled in the sunny afternoon session by Frenchman Florian Marino. The Dutch favourite unable to improve this afternoon.

Fellow Frenchmen Jules Cluzel (MV Agusta RC – Yakhnich Motorsport) also improved significantly from the morning session, elevating himself to 3rd.

Winner in Aragon and multiple former Champion Kenan Sofuoglu (MAHI Racing Team India Kawasaki) rode well in both sessions to end the day 4th just ahead of Kev Coghlan (DMC Panavto-Yamaha) and American PJ Jacobsen (Kawasaki Intermoto Ponyexpres) who completed the top six.

Roberto Tamburini left it until his final lap to grab 7th on the time sheets as did Thai rider Ratthapark Wilairot (Core PTR Honda) who finished 8th.

Jack Kennedy (CIA Insurance Honda) was right in the mix in 9th as was Italian Marco Bussolotti (Team Lorini Honda) who finished a very impressive 10th, by far the best result of his Supersport career to date.

Full time Dutch rider Tony Covena (Kawasaki Ponyexpres Intermoto), who scored his career first Supersport points in Phillip Island was just outside of the top twenty with local wildcard rider Pepijn Bijsterbosch (Langenscheid Racing by Fast Bike Yamaha) making his debut in 22nd overall.