British Ducati pilot Chaz Davies has bolted out of the blocks with the fastest time in the opening practice session for round one of the 2017 superbikes world championship at Phillip Island.

Davies, who won the last six races of the 2016 campaign, set a best lap of one minute 30.189 seconds.

He completed the 60-minute session ahead of world champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki, 1:30.255) and hard-charging Spaniard Xavi Fores (Ducati, 1:30.486).

Australia’s wildcard Josh Brookes (1:32.143) was 16th as his Yamaha clearly struggled for top speed down Gardner Straight compared to the opposition.

The second practice session will be held at 1430 (AEDT) on Friday.