RIZLA SUZUKI HEADS UP BRANDS 2ND ROW
 Rizla
Suzuki racers Chris Walker and Cal Crutchlow will start from
the second row in fifth and sixth places at tomorrow's opening
round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at the
historic Brands Hatch GP circuit in Kent.
In blazing sunshine and perfect conditions 'Stalker' built
his speed gradually and at the end of the 50 minute qualifying
session he secured fifth position to lead the second row -
despite being held up in the final sector.
Crutchlow set his fastest lap well before the end on a pre-qualifying
tyre. He was delighted with starting from sixth place on the
grid on his British Superbike debut as Honda's Jonathan Rea
took pole position.
Superbike racing starts at 1330 on Bank Holiday Monday at
the 2.60-mile-long Brands Hatch GP circuit in Kent.
Chris Walker:
"I am quite happy with fifth on the grid and with my
Rizla Suzuki. I've been pleased with the feel of my GSX-R1000
right from the first session and it has got better and better
every time I've taken it on track.
"My biggest issue now is choosing which tyre to use
in the race. I still have very little experience with Dunlop
tyres and will be relying heavily on my Chief Mechanic's advice
on which rubber to choose. If we get it right, then I think
I can challenge for the podium in the races."
Cal Crutchlow:
"The issues I had with my brakes from yesterday have
been sorted and my Rizla Suzuki is now doing exactly what
I want it to do. Thank you to my crew for working so hard
to give me the bike I want and need to be competitive.
"I am delighted to be starting from sixth place in my
first Championship event. I aim to get away with the leaders
tomorrow and try to match their pace and see what I can achieve
from there."
Simon Buckmaster - Team Manager:
"Rizla Suzuki is in good shape and I'm pleased with
the team and rider performances. Chris is quick on race rubber
and is happy with his GSX-R1000. He's relaxed and enjoying
himself; we expect that once the racing starts he will lift
his game further and should be targeting the podium in both
races.
"Cal has really impressed the team with his application
and professionalism. This is his first weekend in the British
Superbike Championship and he has done a great job so far.
He needs a good start tomorrow and is targeting a top-six
finish.
"Well done to the team and a special mention to the
Rizla Suzuki fans who have been cheering us from the banking
opposite the garage. That support keeps us going - I hope
we can reward it with strong results tomorrow."
Qualification:
1: Jonathan Rea (Honda) 1:25.235
2: Gregorio Lavilla (Ducati) +0.242
3: Leon Camier (Honda) +0.504
4: Leon Haslam (Ducati) +0.578
5: Chris Walker (Rizla Suzuki) +0.597
6: Cal Crutchlow (Rizla Suzuki) +0.764
7: Shane Byrne (Honda) +0.988
8: Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) +1.043
9: Tom Sykes (Honda) +1.064
10: Dean Thomas (Suzuki) +1.260
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