Sofuoglu stays top, Cluzel fractures leg

The timesheets will show Kenan Sofuoglu and Jules Cluzel's names in first and second but Friday afternoon's second free practice session at Jerez was far from straightforward for the championship protagonists.

Lying first and second in the World Supersport championship, both Sofuoglu and Cluzel were forced to dust themselves down after separate falls affected their sessions and had serious implications for the world championship.

With the slippery Jerez surface proving tricky in raised afternoon temperatures, the top five from FP1 maintained position and were unable to better their times from the morning.

Indeed it only took Sofuoglu five minutes to experience the treacherous nature of the track as he lost the front of his Kawasaki at the final turn, collecting a hapless Kevin Wahr in the process.

Then, as the chequered flag was readied, Cluzel fell at high speed while braking for the uphill Sito Pons Curve. The Frenchman was sent tumbling through the gravel and was subsequently taken to the medical centre for checks.

It was later announced that Cluzel had fractured his lower left leg and dislocated his shoulder in the spill, ruling him out of the weekend's action and effectively ending his championship bid.

In spite of his early fall, Sofuoglu was still the fastest man in the afternoon, albeit over half a second slower than his morning time. FP1 times dictated that Cluzel, Gino Rea, who is celebrating his birthday today, Lucas Mahias and Kyle Smith completed the top five.

PJ Jacobsen improved to place sixth while Lorenzo Zanetti moved up the order to eighth overall, a place ahead of fellow MV runner Alex Baldolini.