Lorenzo Savadori topped the time-sheets after the opening two sessions of free practice for this weekend's World Superbikes round at Lausitzring in Germany.
The 23-year-old Italian clocked one minute 37.449 seconds as he continued to impress in his rookie Superbikes season, beating local hero Markus Reiterberger (BMW) into second place.
Britain's Tom Sykes had set a marker for Savadori with 1min 37.483secs immediately prior to the Italian's run, but the Kawasaki rider ultimately had to settle for third place.
Ducati's Chaz Davies finished in fourth place ahead of Nicky Hayden and Sylvain Guintoli in fifth and sixth respectively.
But the Lausitzring claimed its usual variety of victims with Alex Lowes (Yamaha) crashing midway through the session but still finishing eighth in the combined standings.
And the session was red-flagged with just over 20 minutes to go due to debris caused to an accident involving BMW rider Josh Brookes, who walked away unharmed.
Reigning Superbikes champion Jonathan Rea finished outside the top 10 for the first time this season, meaning he will miss the challenge for pole on Saturday morning.
Source: PA
