THE PARKALGAR HONDA team, along with the rest of the World Supersport paddock, faced a delayed free practice session today ahead of round 12 of the Championship at Imola, due to the track having a problem with grip.

Lack of adhesion saw all sessions delayed and it wasn’t until some rubber had been tentatively laid down that the circuit started to become usable. Despite this lack of feel both Parkalgar Honda riders headed out on track.

Eugene Laverty, who is currently second in the Championship chase, completed the session in fourth place, while his team-mate Miguel Praia rode to 15th. Cal Crutchlow was fastest. The race takes place at 1325CET on Sunday, September 27th.

Simon Buckmaster, Parkalgar Honda Team Manager: “We’ve played the waiting game today and the track finally started to come good. We have already tested here so I know we have good pace, once the track gets more rubber laid down and has more feel I know the results will start to come in. Eugene finished in fourth which we know we can improve on and Miguel was 15th. We know which direction to go in so I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

Free practice results

1. Crutchlow C GBR Yamaha YZF R6 1′52.751

2. Sofuoglu K TUR Honda CBR600RR 1′53.234

3. Lascorz J ESP Kawasaki ZX-6R 1′54.897

4. Laverty E IRL Parkalgar Honda CBR600RR 1′55.270

5. Pirro M ITA Yamaha YZF R6 1′55.354

6. Aitchison M AUS Honda CBR600RR 1′55.499

7. Roccoli M ITA Honda CBR600RR 1′55.564

8. Pitt A AUS Honda CBR600RR 1′56.198

9. West A AUS Honda CBR600RR 1′56.443

10. Davies C GBR Triumph Daytona 1′56.537

15. Praia M POR Parkalgar Honda CBR600RR 1′57.662