The final session of the day in Argentina fired into life, to bring a close to proceedings in South America on day one of three.
The World Supersport Championship could well be decided this weekend, with Randy Krummenacher (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team) looking to become the first ever Swiss WorldSSP Champion. After day one however, it was Corentin Perolari (GMT94 YAMAHA) who made hay whilst the sun shone, whilst big names were littered throughout the top ten.
Leading the charge of the WorldSSP field into Saturday, Corentin Perolari left it late to go to top slot in FP1. The Frenchman put in a strong lap time late on and was just under half-a-tenth clear of his nearest challenger. Having languished down the field in FP1, Federico Caricasulo (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team) put in a sterling comeback in FP2 to be right in the mix going into a crucial Saturday Superpole day.
The Italian put in strong lap times at the very end of the session, initially going to the top before being pushed back to second place. Completing the top three after day one was Championship leader, Randy Krummenacher (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team), as he looks to better his teammate to secure the WorldSSP crown.
Having been top of FP1, Ayrton Badovini (Team Pedercini Racing) slipped to fourth place but rounded out a strong opening day in Argentina in fine fashion. The Italian will look to repeat his podium success of Magny-Cours this weekend and looks like he has good pace.
Fifth place belonged to Jules Cluzel (GMT94 YAMAHA), who will need to find more pace if he is to keep his Championship hopes alive this weekend. Sixth place went to 2017 WorldSSP Champion, Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing). The Frenchman starting his weekend in solid style as he looks to secure a second consecutive win of the season, following on from his magnificent in Magny-Cours.
Top MV Agusta honours went to Raffaele De Rosa (MV AGUSTA Reparto Corse), as the 32-year-old begins his chase for a first victory in World Supersport. Behind him was Magny-Cours pole-sitter and ESS Cup Winner, Kyle Smith (Team Pedercini Racing).
Making it four manufacturers inside the top nine was Peter Sebestyen (CIA Landlord Insurance Honda), as he seeks more top tens on his first visit to Argentina. Christian Stange (GEMAR – Ciociaria Corse WorldSSP Team) rounded out the top ten on day one, confirming his top ten pace from FP1.
Outside the top ten, Isaac Viñales (Kallio Racing) was only 11th, less than two weeks after his first WorldSSP podium. Hikari Okubo (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was only able to secure 14th on day one, whilst Hannes Soomer (MPM WILSport Racedays) was 15th after a crash at Turn 16. MotorLand Aragon pole-sitter Thomas Gradinger (Kallio Racing) was 16th.