It was Alex Lowes who led the Yamaha charge on the opening day in Portugal, as the FIM Superbike World Championship exploded back into action at the Autdromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimo. The Pata Yamaha WorldSBK rider ended the day third fastest with his time from this morning's first free practice, as rising track temperatures and reduced grip saw only one of the top ten riders improve during this afternoon's second 50-minute session.