The Northern Irishman saved the best for last by recording a one minute 15.841 seconds lap time at the Hampshire circuit to edge out Josh Brookes on the Tyco TAS Suzuki by just over a thousandth of a second.

The Padgetts Honda rider finished an encouraging fourth in the only race of the opening round at Brands Hatch, and his ultimate pace will leave him hopeful of continuing his bright start to the 2012 season.

But it was a poor day for championship leader Jon Kirkham, the Samsung Honda rider was way down the field in 13th place.

Third

Former World Supersport racer Alex Lowes was third fastest aboard his WSFR Honda while Shane Byrne, who had been quickest in the morning session, was fourth on the Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki.

Reigning champion Tommy Hill was next up in fifth on his Swan Yamaha, but it was a difficult day for Michael Laverty, who ended the day sixth on the other Samsung Honda having been denied the chance to improve his time by a crash on his final lap.

Luca Scassa was seventh on the second of the Pagetts Hondas as he quickly adapted on his first visit to Thruxton, while the top 10 was rounded out by James Westmoreland and veterans Chris Walker and Michael Rutter.

Former World Superbike race winner Noriyuki Haga's tough baptism in the British series continued as he ended the session down in 21st place, over one-and-a-half seconds off the pace.