Brands BSB Friday Irwin Blazes to Top Spot in Brands Hatch Free Practice Showdown

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Glenn Irwin propelled the Hager PBM Ducati to the forefront of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship Free Practice, delivering his peak performance in a thrilling final lap to secure the top spot by a narrow 0.131s margin. Notably, five different manufacturers were represented among the top six ahead of the first race at Brands Hatch tomorrow.

The morning Free Practice session showcased intense competition, with the top 13 riders separated by just 0.895s. This competitiveness only heightened in the afternoon, as the gap between the top 17 contenders narrowed to 0.993s.

Irwin’s impressive lap was not without its challenges, including a brush with the grass at Stirlings. Despite this, he managed to edge out his rival Tommy Bridewell, setting the stage for a head-to-head showdown on the Grand Prix circuit, their first since last October’s dramatic title clash.

Ryan Vickers, who led the morning session, placed third for the OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing team, finishing just 0.013s ahead of Leon Haslam from the ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team. Danny Kent rounded out the top five.

Jason O’Halloran secured sixth place on the Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki, making it five different manufacturers in the top six, while Andrew Irwin ensured two Honda Racing UK riders were in the top eight.

Christian Iddon and Lee Jackson were incredibly close, separated by just 0.003s. Josh Brookes and Peter Hickman took tenth and eleventh positions, respectively, with Charlie Nesbitt clinching the final spot to advance directly into Speedy Hire Qualifying 2 tomorrow.

Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, combined Free Practice times: