Championship leader James Toseland continued his superb recent form by taking provisional pole position for the latest rounds of the World Superbike Championship at Monza in Italy.
The 26-year-old Brit lapped the historic track in 1:45.953 on his Ten Kate Honda - almost four tenths of a second quicker than the Motor Italia Yamaha of practice pace-setter Noriyuki Haga.
Karl Muggeridge was a superb third fastest with his Australian countryman and team-mate Josh Brookes fifth on what was the best performance this season from Alto Evolution Honda in a single sesion as the Japanese manufacturer claimed an early edge on their rivals.
They sandwiched the equally impressive Regis Laconi, who was fourth quickest on his PSG-1 Kawasaki.
Ruben Xaus continued his revival in sixth place on his year-old Sterilgada Ducati - a place ahead of world champion Troy Bayliss' works model.
Roberto Rolfo was an encouraging eighth on the second Ten Kate bike with Yukio Kagayama's Alstare Suzuki and Fonsi Nieto's second Kawasaki completing the top ten.
Max Biaggi was a disappointing 11th for Alstare, with Troy Corser - still sore after his race one crash at Assen - next up for Yamaha.
Britain's Dean Ellison was 22nd fastest for Pedercini Ducati - 4.4 seconds off the pace.
EuroSport