Glenn Irwin aiming to extend British Superbike title advantage as Knockhill in Scotland hosts round four

The Ulsterman leads the title standings by 13 points ahead of Saturday’s opening race and is aiming to extend his advantage in his quest to become Northern Ireland’s first BSB champion.

It could have been even better for Irwin last summer at Knockhill, when he was denied a treble after slipping off at the hairpin while leading.

The Hager PBM Ducati rider was seventh fastest on the combined free practice times in Friday’s rain-hit opening sessions, half-a-second down on home favourite Rory Skinner, who topped the times on the Cheshire Mouldings BMW.

Hager PBM Ducati rider Glenn Irwin leads the British Superbike Championship by 13 points. Picture: Gavan Caldwell

Irwin, a winner last time out at Donington Park in May, said: “For Knockhill obviously we go there on the back of great memories from last year with pole position and a double victory.

“The bike works well – we still are a little bit behind the eight ball in terms of developing the new items.

“We have been reverting back to the old stuff on race weekends just due to the time.

“I like a challenge and I am going to Knockhill in a good frame of mind.

“I have been training hard and I’m… fighting fit and ready to continue our success.”

Honda Racing’s Andrew Irwin was 10th fastest while team-mate and reigning champion Tommy Bridewell was second overall, only 0.058s off Skinner’s time.

In the Supersport class, Dublin’s Jack Kennedy led the way for Honda Racing ahead of Donegal’s Rhys Irwin, who impressed on the Gearlink Kawasaki after confirming he will ride for the team for the remainder of the season following his split from the Astro-JJR Suzuki team.

Alastair Seeley was fifth fastest in the wet conditions on the Binch Racing Yamaha.

Scott Swann was at the forefront in free practice in the National Superstock 1000 class, slotting into second place on the Swann Racing Honda behind Joe Talbot.

Simon Reid (Cummins by Team IWR Honda) was fourth while championship leader and Senior TT winner Davey Todd (Cheshire Mouldings BMW) was 10th.

The opening BSB race on Saturday is scheduled for 16:15 BST with Sunday’s races at 12:15 BST and 16:00 BST.

Meanwhile, six-time World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea was 14th after Friday’s free practice sessions at Misano in Italy ahead of this weekend’s fourth round.

The Pata Prometeon Yamaha rider was one second down on Toprak Razgatlioglu (BMW Motorrad), who edged out factory Ducati riders Nicola Bulega and reigning champion Alvaro Bautista to end day one on top.

The first race on Saturday is set for 13:00 BST.