Dave Madsen-Mygdal speaking to BBC Sport NI:

"To come to the North West is something special and it's great to see everyone again.

"If the weather holds up as well, it would be great."

We're midway through the 35-minute session and Davey Todd leads the way from Dean Harrison and Michael Dunlop.

1. Davey Todd 4:20.942

2. Dean Harrison +0.583

3. Michael Dunlop +4.056

4. James Hillier +6.634

5. John McGuinness +6.914

6. Adam McLean +9.310

7. Michael Sweeney +9.937

8. Dom Herbertson +11.078

9. Conor Cummins +11.683

10. Michael Evans +11.891

Jenny Tinmouth
Fastest woman around the IOM TT

We have just had a few spots of rain but that has blown over and the track has improved as the day has gone on and it has got warmer.

Everything is perfect for them out there.

Becca Keegan
BBC Sport NI at the North West 200

The work never stops. Glenn Irwin may be finished for the day but his mechanics are still working away on the Ducati.

Image source, BBC Sport

Philip McCallen
11-time race winner at the NW200

There are tens of thousands more spent on a Superbike, but a Superstock is a really good bike.

I think this will be a more equal one for all the riders as before there was some people on the Superbike and some on the Superstock. This is a pure Superstock one so everyone is on equal machinery and it's down to riding.

The first laps are in and, surprise surprise, it's Davey Todd who leads the way. He's been on it today.

Dean Harrison isn't far behind, with the gap less than one second, before James Hillier and John McGuinness in the top four.

Lee Johnston
Five-time winner at the NW200

The bikes all look really well this year.

The Superstocks are out on the north coast! Dean Harrison and James Hillier lead the field away.

Who will come out on top here?

Jeremy McWilliams speaking to BBC Sport NI:

"It's always fun to be back here. The session wasn't as good as I would have liked it to be and the gearing was quite a way off.

"When you're out on your own, it seems to go on and on forever, but we'll get it sorted for tomorrow.

"It means more and more because, as you keep reminding me, I'm getting older.

"A win would be even more special and as I hit that milestone [of turning 60] and people are asking why I am still doing it.

"Well, I'm doing it because I'm still fit enough to do it and still competitive.

"A win would mean the world. Age is just a number for me, I feel like I am 30 in my head and I feel like I'm riding out there like I'm 30 in my head as well when I'm out there. I'm as fit I has ever been out there"

Becca Keegan
BBC Sport NI at the North West 200

The relaxed vibe has continued as the Superstock bikes wait to be released on the grid.

The sun is still shining too, which is great!

Image source, BBC Sport

Keith Huewen
BBC Sport NI commentator

I probably had the best time of my life when I came here in 1980, I still remember it like it was yesterday. It's the only trophy I have up in my house out of all of the trophies I ever won.

Philip McCallen
11-time race winner at the NW200

Ian Hutchinson has gone through everything. You saw pictures of his leg, he was in a mess, but his willpower and strength and support got him back.

He might not be on the top two or three steps, but he will be up there.

Next up, we're going to have the Superstocks on track.

A lot of the leading riders - such as Dean Harrison, Peter Hickman and John McGuinness - have already been out on their Stockers in the Superbike session.

Will that give them an advantage heading into this one?

Philip McCallen
11-time race winner at the NW200

The boys who are at the front at the minute are the boys who are coming fresh from the race at the weekend and that group in third to sixth, they will be on the pace tomorrow as this is getting them dialed in as some of them have new and different bikes.

It will be much closer tomorrow afternoon.

It's that time of year again when the engines fire up and some of the best motorcycle riders in the world hit Northern Ireland's north coast.

The North West 200 is back and this year there are nine races to look forward to, including three Superbike outings for the first time.

From the ones to watch to where to catch the action - here's all you need to know about the North West 200.

Read more here

Philip McCallen
11-time race winner at the NW200

We did say before it all started how good Richard Cooper is.

The big thing with him is he is happy with his bikes and his team. He is coming off the podium just a few days ago and he is going to be on the podium again here.

There weren't too many changes to the order in the closing stages, but it's Richard Cooper and Davey Todd with the headline times in that session. Cooper wasn't far away from the lap record, which gives you an idea of the pace of the leading two.

1. Richard Cooper 4:34.202

2. Davey Todd +0.815

3. Michael Dunlop +5.410

4. Mike Browne +6.134

5. Peter Hickman +6.831

6. Paul Jordan +8.145

7. Adam McLean +9.039

8. Michael Evans +10.995

9. Conor Cummins + 12.225

10. Michael Sweeney +12.785

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Glenn Irwin speaking to BBC Sport NI:

"Honestly I knew Davey [Todd] would be strong as he is riding incredible in the British Championships and he is prepared to ride hard.

"What surprised me was how fast the pace was so early, I think the first exit was a lap of 4:21."

There's a bit of a lull after that immediate burst of action.

It's still Cooper from Todd, but Michael Dunlop has slotted nicely into third, 5.410 seconds off the leading benchmark.