Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli has set the fastest time in the opening practice session at an official two-day world Superbike test at Phillip Island, ahead of the opening round back at the Victorian circuit next weekend.
Pushing into a strong southerly wind, Guintoli set a best lap of 1min32.683secs on his Ducati to complete the marathon 140-minute session ahead of Briton Jonathan Rea, Czech rider Jakub Smrz and Spanish duo Carlos Checa and Joan Lascorz.
Multiple Phillip Island winner and current lap record holder Troy Corser was the first Australian in 10th position, just one spot in front of young countryman Josh Waters.
Queenslander Chris Vermeulen, who has been under an injury cloud as he recovers from major surgery on his left knee, did not take part in the session, with Japanese veteran Akira Yanagawa taking his spot on the factory Kawasaki.
Earlier in the day, Newcastle's Broc Parkes was the fastest rider in the opening world supersport session.
