AIRWAVES DUCATI READY TO DEFEND THEIR CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE
Airwaves Ducati return to racing action this weekend for
the 2006 Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Brands
Hatch. After being so successful in 2005, the team will be
aiming for victory at the 1.2 mile Indy circuit.
Testing over the winter has seen the team get to grips with
their new Ducati 999F06 bikes. After four tests 2005 Champion
Gregorio Lavilla and team mate Leon Haslam are both eager
to start the season.
The shorter of the two Brands Hatch circuits hold mixed memories
for the Airwaves Ducati riders. This time last year, having
had little experience on the circuit, Gregorio Lavilla started
his championship winning season by gaining podium places in
both races. Leon Haslam qualified in pole position and finished
the second race in fourth having failed to finish race one.
Both riders will be contending their second season for the
Airwaves Ducati team and team manager Colin Wright is confident
about the year ahead, “Obviously 2005 was a great year
for the team and with Gregorio and Leon staying on for a second
year we know we are the target for other teams this season.
We are now familiar with the F06 bike, had four great tests
and the whole team just can’t wait to get going.”
Gregorio Lavilla said “I am really happy with where
I am compared to this time last year. I have had the opportunity
to test with the team and having ridden the Brands Hatch Indy
circuit before I am excited about going there again. The circuit
has such good memories for me from the last round in 2005
that I can’t wait to get back there to start the new
season. I am feeling very confident for this year and I think
the Airwaves Ducati team will be the ones to watch!”
Leon Haslam finished fourth in the 2005 Championship and
is confident of improving on that final position by the end
of 2006. “I learnt a great deal last season and I am
excited about getting back out there and improving on my final
championship position. Testing in South Africa and Spain went
really well and I am really confident with the new bike and
the season ahead; I just want to get started.”
The 2006 Bennetts British Superbike season will commence
this weekend (March 25th – 26th) at the Brands Hatch
Indy Circuit.
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