Submitted by David Emmett on Sun, 2010-01-24 16:20.
Eugene Laverty finished the final session of testing with a bang, setting the fastest lap of the session and of the weekend with just a few minutes of the session left to go. The Parkalgar Honda rider finished ahead of his chief rival for the weekend, Joan Lascorz, the Motocard.com Kawasaki nearly three tenths slower than the Irishman. Michele Pirro underlined the wisdom of Ten Kate's decision to sign the young Italian, finishing the session and the weekend in 3rd, ahead of an outstanding Miguel Praia. The Portuguese rider struggled for top 10 finishes in 2009, but has been a consistent feature in the fast group at this first test.
Sunday afternoon's session was a template for the entire weekend. Everyone finished the session in the same position they finished overall during the three days of testing. Eugene Laverty underlined his position as one of the favorites for the title, along with Joan Lascorz and Michele Pirro. Kenan Sofuoglu was absent due to injury, but once the Turkish Ten Kate rider returns, he is sure to figure in the championship chase.
World Supersport times from the final session at Portimao: