Federico Caricasulo (GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team) was narrowly the fastest rider after the first day of action at Donington Park in the WorldSSP class, heading off his own team-mate Lucas Mahias (GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team) by only 0.019 seconds. Wet conditions in the morning the gradually drying conditions in the afternoon saw Jules Cluzel (NRT Yamaha) fourth fastest, as the lap times made a dramatic improvement. Cluzel’s fellow championship challengers Sandro Cortese (Kallio Racing Yamaha) and Randy Krummenacher (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha), were fourth and fifth quickest on day one, on yet another strong day for Yamaha.

Caricasulo, WSS, Donington WSBK 2018

A double-strength MV Agusta qualifying effort saw Raffaele De Rosa (MV Agusta Reparto Corse by Vamag) and Ayrton Badovini (MV Agusta Reparto Corse by Vamag) sixth and seventh.

A strong local showing for CIA Landlord Insurance rider Andrew Irwin put him eighth on day one at his home round.

The top ten was rounded out by top Kawasaki qualifier Sheridan Morais (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) and Profile Triumph Racing’s Luke Stapleford.

Anthony West (EAB antwest Racing Kawasaki) was 15th.

West, SSP600, Donington WSBK 2018

By Gordon Ritchie