Superbikes: Hill defies difficult conditions to set pace at Knockhill

Tommy Hill set the pace in the wet opening free practice sessions at Knockhill ahead of the fifth round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship.

The Swan Yamaha rider, who is riding with an injured shoulder, was comfortable at the Fife circuit, putting in a number of consistent fast laps despite the difficult conditions, producing the best lap of the day with a time of 52.810secs.

"It's been a good day, a good start and we've had to make very few changes to the bike - I'm feeling comfortable and we are going in the right direction," said Hill.

"My shoulder is okay, it is playing up a little, but if you want something and I want success in these races then you have to get on with the job.

"I am aware of the shoulder and its problems but I am not letting it bother me."

French teenager Loris Baz was second fastest on his Motorpoint Yamaha, barely a quarter of a second down on Hill, with former MotoGP racer John Hopkins third fastest on the Samsung Crescent Suzuki on his first visit to the track.

Michael Laverty, riding the second Swan Yamaha, was fourth fastest with championship-leading Shane Byrne fifth.

"It's been fun, or as fun as it can be in the wet," said Byrne, who ran marginally faster than his HM Plant Honda team-mate and reigning champion Ryuichi Kiyonari.