SBK | Pirelli Aragon Round, FP1: Rea ahead of everyone in the wet

The third round of the World Championship, the first for series derivatives in Europe, opens with rain falling on the Motorland of Aragon: in the first free practice session, on a damp track, Jonathan Rea stands out with a 2'02.298, ahead of half a second to Marco Melandri and Leon Camier.

The big surprise of the morning, however, is Michael Ruben Rinaldi, making his debut in the category with the official Panigale of Team Junior Aruba: the reigning STK1000 Champion surprised everyone with a promising fourth time.

Hot on his heels we find Michael Van der Mark, best of the Yamahas, followed by Tom Sykes with the other Kawasaki and Loris Baz with the BMW Althea.
Eighth reference for Xavi Fores, much applauded by the home crowd, who prevails over Alex Lowes and Lorenzo Savadori with the Aprilia RSV4 RW.
Just outside the top ten we find Chaz Davies, while Davide Giugliano, who takes the place of the injured Eugene Laverty in Milwaukee, is 17th.

However, the ranking is not very indicative, given that good weather and a dry track are expected for qualifying and races.

Appointment at 12pm with the second free practice session, followed by the third at 30pm.