CRUTCHLOW COMPETITIVE AT MONDELLO
 Rizla
Suzuki's Cal Crutchlow posted the seventh fastest time during
today's practice for the sixth round of the Bennetts British
Superbike Championship at Mondello Park in the Republic of
Ireland.
It rained consistently during the day at the 2.18-mile twisty
and bumpy circuit near Dublin, but in the afternoon the clouds
broke slightly allowing the riders to post faster times in
the second 50-minute long practice session.
Crutchlow ended up less than half a second off a provisional
front row placing. Chris Walker suffered a surprise high-side
with just eight minutes to go at the end of the day but rode
back to the pits and rejoined on his spare bike, bringing
it home 11th.
Honda's Ryuichi Kiyonari was fastest.
Superbike racing starts at 1245 on Sunday, June 17th, at
Mondello Park, County Kildare.
Cal Crutchlow:
"I like Mondello Park and want to do well here. The
weather has been tough with the rain, wind and cold, but it
hasn't really bothered me. I only used a single rear tyre
and worked on my lines and building my confidence in the wet.
"I think if we soften the fork springs it will help
the wet handling on my Rizla Suzuki. I've also been testing
a new electronic system to reduce backing-in and it's been
impressive - we will refine it and I'm sure it will be a big
help for the future."
Chris Walker:
"I am disappointed to have crashed at the end of the
day when the track was a little drier than earlier. The good
news is I am ok and reasonably comfortable with my wet weather
settings.
"I am digging the circuit, I like it a lot and am enjoying
riding here. Come rain or shine I'm looking forward to tomorrow
and getting back on track again."
Simon Buckmaster - Team Manager:
"I am impressed by Cal; he's in good shape if the races
are wet and looking confident and composed. He's close to
the front row and his crew can help make his bike more compliant
for him and improve it further. Cal is riding well and we
are looking forward to see what he can achieve.
"Chris tipped off at the end of the second session but
luckily is unhurt and optimistic he can go faster. It's his
first time at the circuit on a Superbike and he's learnt a
lot that he can put to good use for the rest of the weekend.
"The forecast is for wet weather tomorrow and then sunshine
on race day - either way, it doesn't really matter to us,
Rizla Suzuki will be doing its best to challenge for the podium."
Friday Practice Times:
1: Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) 1:48.336
2: Shane Byrne (Honda) +0.675
3: Jonathan Rea (Honda) +1.154
4: Leon Haslam (Ducati) +1.527
5: Gregorio Lavilla (Ducati) +1.675
6: Karl Harris (Honda) +1.689
7: Cal Crutchlow (Rizla Suzuki) +1.908
8: Leon Camier (Honda) +2.551
9: Tommy Hill (Yamaha) +3.339
10: Tom Sykes (Honda) +3.713
11: Chris Walker (Rizla Suzuki) +4.070
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