Hansen will be making his first Ryder Cup appearance in Valhalla

Soren Hansen hit timely form ahead of the Ryder Cup with a superb round of 67 to ignite his charge towards a defence of the Mercedes-Benz Championship.

Hansen, one of four Ryder Cup rookies in captain Nick Faldo's European team, hit six birdies in his first seven holes to leave himself on -4 overall.

"The way I played today I could play with anybody, or play on my own [in Valhalla]," said the 34-year-old Dane.

The Dane's Ryder Cup team-mate, Robert Karlsson, leads on eight under par.

Sweden's Karlsson offered further encouragement to Faldo after he added a 69 to his opening 67 in Cologne to cement a return to form after a three-week injury lay-off.

Hansen did concede one triple bogey and two bogeys in his round - but the 10 birdies in poor weather were more significant given the upcoming Ryder Cup's match-play format.

"I definitely lost that hole in match-play, that's for sure," Hansen said of the triple bogey.

"I lost it a bit on 11 but got it straight back, which shows character once again and I'm really pleased with that.

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"You're standing there before going out thinking this is going to be a round of survival because of the weather but I came out hitting good shots and making birdies and it just clicked.

"There's a lot of things going on with the Ryder Cup next week and defending here, and there's a lot of questions.

"Yesterday I was tired but I had a good night's sleep and I felt ready to go."

England's Richard Finch is still in contention, sitting just three behind leader Karlsson on five under having shot a second round 73.

There is no cut at the Mercedes-Benz Championship so all Ryder Cup players will have the opportunity to hone their game with third and fourth rounds ahead of the competition on 19-21 September.