Superbikes: Electric James Ellison sets the pace at Thruxton

Published on Friday 16 April 2010 23:03

James Ellison outpaced Tommy Hill in free practice ahead of tomorrow's second round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship at Thruxton.

Riding a Swan Honda, Ellison put in scorching lap of the Hampshire circuit to finally head off the challenge of Hill aboard the Worx Crescent Suzuki by just over a quarter of a second.

"That is the fastest I have ever been round here, by about a third of a second, and it was equal to the pole time of last year," Ellison said. "I didn't realise the times I was putting in and even with back markers and the crosswinds I felt fairly consistent throughout the sessions."

Michael Laverty was third overall, just ahead of Josh Brookes, while Scotland's Stuart Easton, still experiencing some discomfort from a badly gashed leg sustained in pre-season testing, was fifth.