The Frenchman topped the timesheet with a 1'44.802 in the mixed conditions of opening free practice this morning and, with the intensity of the rain increasing ahead of the second session this afternoon, Perolari's time would not be bettered.
Third on the provisional grid after two free practice sessions is Kallio Racing Yamaha's Supported WorldSSP rider, Isaac Viñales, who ended the day just 0.385s off the top spot. Jules Cluzel was happy enough to end the first day in fifth position on the timesheet aboard his GMT94 Yamaha YZF-R6, knowing that the tricky weather conditions experienced today will be much improved ahead of the third and final free practice session tomorrow.
Federico Caricasulo was the fastest of the two Bardahl Evan Bros. Yamaha riders today, with the Italian ninth on the timesheet, one place ahead of Kallio Racing Yamaha's Loris Cresson in tenth. Cresson's teammate, Thomas Gradinger, ended the day 12th on his return from injury.
Championship leader Randy Krummenacher was an uncharacteristic 18th at the end of the day, but the Bardahl Evan Bros. Yamaha rider will be back at the sharp end when the weather improves tomorrow at Magny-Cours, a track with notoriously unpredictable grip in the wet.
GMT94 Yamaha wildcard rider, Maximilien Bau, endured a baptism of fire today, having to contend with adapting to racing in a World Championship on top of mastering what were incredibly tricky conditions in both practice sessions. The French youngster ended his first day 23rd on the timesheet.