Highs and lows in Supersport season opener
The three HANNspree-supported teams endured mixed fortunes
in the opening race of the 2008 World Supersport Championship
in Qatar today. There were high hopes for British newcomer
Jonathan Rea aboard the HANNspree Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR
after he recovered from an accident during qualifying yesterday
to secure a front row start.
The Ulsterman took the holeshot from fourth place on the
grid for the perfect start to his world championship debut.
However, the race ended in disappointment for the team when
Rea crashed out of contention while running in second position.
HANNspree Ten Kate Honda team-mate Andrew Pitt had been running
in third place and was unable to avoid Rea's accident in front
of him - forcing both riders out of the race.
HANNspree Honda Althea's two riders were also unable to complete
the 18-lap race at the Losail circuit. However, HANNspree
Stiggy Motorsport Honda enjoyed a successful first race with
Josh Brookes finishing in fourth position and Robbin Harms
passing the chequered flag in seventh place. The points-scoring
finishes for both riders ensured a strong start to the season
for the team.
Race result
1. B. PARKES Yamaha World Supersport Yamaha 2'02.675
2. J. LASCORZ Glaner Motocard.com Honda +0.048
3. C. JONES Parkalgar Racing Team +0.755
4. J. BROOKES Hannspree Stiggy Motorsport Honda + 9.502
5. M.LAGRIVE Intermoto Czech Honda +11.962
6. B. VENEMAN Ressoftware Hoegee Suzuki +17.428
7. R.HARMS Hannspree Stiggy Motorsport Honda +17.660
8. D.SALOM Yamaha Spain +17.888
9. C.WALKER Kawasaki Gil Motor Sport +25.883
10. G.VIZZIELLO Berry Racing Honda +32.236
DNF
J. REA Hannspree Ten Kate Honda
A. PITT Hannspree Ten Kate Honda
A. ANTONELLI Hannspree Honda Althea
G.NANNELLI Hannspree Honda Althea
Championship standings after round one
1. B. PARKES 25
2. J. LASCORZ 20
3. C. JONES 16
4. J. BROOKES 13
5. M.LAGRIVE 11
6. B. VENEMAN 10
7. R.HARMS 9
8. D.SALOM 8
9. C.WALKER 7
10. G.VIZZIELLO 6
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