In his wife’s home country of The Netherlands former Ten Kate rider Kenan Sofuoglu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) posted the fastest opening day lap in the WorldSSP championship class, a 1’38.950.
Patrick Jacobsen (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) was the only rider to get close to Sofuoglu and had his morning time to thank for being 0.172 seconds from the five-time champion Sofuoglu.
Thailand race winner Federico Caricasulo (GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team) was third fastest but almost 0.4 seconds from Sofuoglu after what was a chilly but dry first day.
Championship leader Lucas Mahias (GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team) was fourth fastest; former Assen race winner Kyle Smith (GEMAR Balloons – Team Lorini Honda) fifth.
Despite having to get off his bike and push back to the pits at one stage Gino Rea (Team GO ELEVEN Kawasaki) secured automatic entry into Superpole 2 on Saturday with sixth best qualifying time today.
Jules Cluzel was the fastest CIA Insurance Honda rider on day one, in seventh place, as Kyle Ryde (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) nearly made his desired top six placing – eventually eighth – which put him into Superpole 2 directly.
Podium runner Sheridan Morais (Kallio Race System Yamaha) scored ninth best time and up-and-coming Italian runner Michael Canducci (Puccetti Racing Junior Team FMI Kawasaki) finished off the top ten.
Top Triumph rider was Luke Stapleford (Profile Racing Triumph) in 11th place. Aussie riders Anthony West (EAB West Racing Yamaha),
Aiden Wagner (GEMAR Balloons – Team Lorini Honda) and Lachlan Epis (Response RE Racing Kawasaki) were 21st, 27th and 28th respectively on day one.
By Gordon Ritchie