John Hopkins headed Friday's practice sessions for Sunday's seventh round at Oulton Park.
Suzuki rider shines in practice
John Hopkins headed off the challenge of title rival Tommy Hill to top the practice sessions for Sunday's seventh round of the British Superbike season at Oulton Park.
The Crescent Suzuki rider put in a scorching lap of one minute 35.446 seconds late in the afternoon session to overhaul Hill (Swan Yamaha) by three-tenths of a second.
Hopkins, who registered his maiden BSB victory at this circuit back in May, said: "I enjoy riding here.
"It is really special to me as I took my first win in 11 years of racing here but now we have to concentrate on more of that to keep up the title challenge.
"We're faster now than we were two months ago.
"I am pretty comfortable and if the need arises we can jump forwards."
Hopkins goes into this weekend's races trailing series leader Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda) by 19 points. Byrne was sixth fastest in 1min 36.650secs, as he bids to end a run of four races without a victory.
Gary Mason was third-fastest for MSS Colchester Kawasaki, with Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) next up ahead of Josh Brookes on the Relentless Suzuki.
