AIRWAVES DUCATI ONE TWO ON THE GRID FOR ROUND ONE OF THE
BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
The new qualifying format meant the Airwaves Ducati riders
returned to the track for a third free practice session this
morning to be followed by a single qualifying session in the
afternoon.
In free practice both riders juggled the top spot between
them, consistently riding low 46 second laps. The session
ended with Haslam first 46.035 and Lavilla second with a best
lap of 46.094.
The afternoon weather held for a fully dry 50 minute qualifying
session. Leon Haslam took the early lead in the session but
proceedings were halted by a red flag. When qualifying resumed
the Airwaves Ducati riders soon took hold of the first and
second spots again. For much of the session Lavilla and Haslam
switched places. Qualifying ended with 2005 BSB Champion Gregorio
Lavilla securing pole position with a best lap time of 45.533
and Leon Haslam in second with a time of 45.581.
Gregorio Lavilla commented after qualifying, “Everything
went well, I got a good run on my race tyres which felt good
and I was running consistently fast laps. I feel race ready
now but obviously we have the concern of rain tomorrow which
maybe a problem as we have not completed any wet testing.
But we did our job and it proves that as a team we have worked
well over the winter to come out and get a one-two on the
grid for the first race.”
Haslam said “I didn’t get an ideal start to qualifying
as there was a crash right in front of me early on but once
we re-started I was feeling really good on the bike. I got
some fast laps in and Greg and I were quickest for much of
the session. I’m on the front row of the grid and I
am happy with that.”
Colin Wright was quick to praise the Team and said “we
are delighted to be in this position after qualifying, the
test program went well and we are on form. However, we will
now focus our efforts on scoring points tomorrow.”
Free Practice
1) Leon Haslam - Airwaves Ducati 46.035
2) Gregorio Lavilla – Airwaves Ducati 46.094
3) Michael Rutter – Stobart Motorsport 46.224
4) Jonathan Rea – Red Bull Honda 46.240
5) Ryuichi Kiyonari – HM Plant Honda 46.246
Qualifying
1) Gregorio Lavilla – Airwaves Ducati 45.533
2) Leon Haslam – Airwaves Ducati 45.581
3) Karl Harris – HM Plant Honda 45.818
4) Dean Thomas – Hawk Kawasaki 45.880
5) Jonathan Rea – Red Bull Honda 45.958
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