Superbikes: Electric James Ellison sets the pace at Thruxton

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.