HM Plant Honda on the front row – while Brogan extends
series lead
It was a positive day for the HM Plant Honda team at Oulton
Park today with Cal Crutchlow taking pole for tomorrow’s
two 18-lap races with team-mate Leon Haslam joining him on
the front row. Meanwhile Steve Brogan managed to take a win
in today’s Metzeler National Superstock 1000 race to
further extend his lead. In the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport
qualifying Steve finds himself down in 17th place, as he battles
through the pain barrier with his broken left foot.
Leon Haslam – HM Plant Honda
British Superbike – Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
4th position – 1m 36.821s
“Being on the front-row is the important thing here
and we’ve achieved that. Tomorrow is another day and
we’ve proven here before that we can run at the front
and that’s what we intend to do. I’m hungry for
wins after a challenging start to the season, so to be honest
I can’t wait to be on the grid for both 18-lap races.”
Cal Crutchlow – HM Plant Honda
British Superbike – Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
1st position – 1m 36.298s
“I’m very happy with my second pole of the season!
We’re also pleased as we’ve been consistent straight
away and I’m looking forward to both races. I want a
double win! I love riding here, Oulton has a little bit of
everything: 5th gear corners, 2nd gear turns and it goes up-hill
and down-dale. You need to be smooth and consistent so that’s
what I aim to be tomorrow!”
Steve Brogan – Honda (UK) Racing
British Supersport – HM Plant Honda CBR600RR
17th position – 1m 41.397s
British Superstock – Honda (UK) Racing CBR1000RR Fireblade
1st position
“Obviously a bit of a mixed day. We had the best result
in the Superstock race: it’s great to get another win
and extend the series lead. Supersport wise we struggled as
the session was straight after the Superstock race and my
foot felt a bit more cramped up. It also doesn’t help
that you’re doing more gear changes on the CBR600RR
and it’s harder work. So, to come straight off a Superstock
race where you’re going as fast as you can for 15 laps
and then get on the 600, it’s difficult. The plan is
to do the best I can from 17th. I’m hoping for a wet
race as this morning I was eighth in the wet as it’s
not so hard on my foot. In the second Superstock race the
plan will be more of the same, I’ve got a good lead
but I can’t afford to lose any points. I’m just
grateful that I’ve been able to ride at all this weekend.”
Havier Beltran – HM Plant Honda team manager
“Qualifying in Superbike was a big turnaround for us
and we’re very happy with Cal’s pole and Leon’s
fourth place. The weather was never on anyone’s side
as it was wet/dry, wet/dry, but at the moment Cal has good
race pace and Leon is confident he can match that. Both riders
are confident and want to win races. Both have worked hard
with our Showa suspension technician over the last two days
so we’re looking forward to the races. Steve’s
win in Superstock today was brilliant, but his mobility on
the smaller HM Plant CBR600RR is limited. We are concerned
of his fitness on the smaller machine and we will evaluate
his performance and how he feels in the morning sessions.”
|
