Just behind, with the seventh fastest time overall, was MotoXRacing Yamaha WorldSSP300 Team’s Bahattin Sofuoglu. The Turkish rider, who was victorious last time out in Race 2 at Jerez, ended the day just 0.077 seconds adrift of Kawakami on a 1'57.846.
Last weekend’s Race 1 winner, Unai Orradre was 14th overall for MS Racing, setting the early pace in the cooler morning session, showing more is yet to come for the Spaniard.
Just outside the top 30 overall, which is needed to secure a spot in the opening WorldSSP300 race on Saturday, was MS Racing’s Alan Kroh, who will look to improve on the 35th best time, as will MotoXRacing’s Alvaro Diaz after going 41st fastest.
Once again, the Portuguese venue will host two WorldSSP300 races this weekend, with the first getting underway at 16:30 (GMT+1) tomorrow, and the second starting at 15:15 on Sunday. Those who don’t make it into the top 30 will be entered into the Last Chance Race at 13:00 tomorrow.
