The Pata Yamaha WorldSBK and GRT Yamaha Supported WorldSBK riders made a solid rather than stellar start on the opening day of proceedings at Round 5 of the FIM Superbike World Championship in Imola. It was Michael van der Mark who led the way for Yamaha, ending the day sixth on combined times and declaring it one of his best days in Imola to date. Alex Lowes was eighth fastest on the opening day, despite still suffering the effects of a stomach bug picked up earlier in the week. Marco Melandri didn't quite get the start he wanted to his home race weekend and will be looking to improve on 12th place ahead of qualifying tomorrow. After a positive start this morning, a lowside crash brought FP2 to a premature conclusion for Sandro Cortese, who ended the opening day 14th on the timesheet.