After dominant weekends at Misano and Aragón, Ducati picked up exactly where it left off under unusually hot British skies as Nicolò Bulega topped Friday's combined practice times at Donington Park.
The championship leader produced a best lap of 1:25.460 in FP2 to finish more than two tenths clear of Barni Spark Racing Team rider Yari Montella, who continued his impressive recent form by splitting the two factory Aruba.it Ducati machines. Iker Lecuona completed the top three, while Britain's Alex Lowes backed up a strong opening day to finish fourth overall.
With temperatures climbing to 33°C -conditions were more reminiscent of southern Europe than the East Midlands-the opening day offered little change to the competitive order seen over recent rounds, as Ducati once again set the benchmark heading into Saturday's Superpole qualifying and Race 1.
Elsewhere, home favourite Tarran Mackenzie impressed with the fifth-fastest time before suffering a heavy crash at Turn 12 late in FP2, bringing out the red flags. Fortunately, the MGM Optical Express Racing Team rider escaped serious injury after being taken to the circuit medical centre for assessment.
