ANOTHER WIN FOR AIRWAVES DUCATI
11 May 2008
Shane Byrne extended his lead in the British Superbike championship
today with a win and 2nd place at Brands Hatch. Leon Camier enjoyed his
3rd podium of the season, coming 3rd in race two following a 5th place
in the first race.From the start of race one Shane dropped to 6th before recovering to 3rd within 3 laps to pull away with the leading trio. Having held 4th position for 5 laps Leon slipped down to 5th, where he eventually finished. Shane remained in 3rd until the second half of the 20 lap race, when he overtook Sykes and Crutchlow in quick succession, to take the chequered flag and his 3rd successive win.
At the start of race two both Airwaves Ducati riders had to work hard for their positions. Shane and Leon had moved through the field to 3rd and 4th position respectively when the safety car entered the race on lap 14. The race distance was extended to 23 laps but a red flag shortly after meant the result was declared with Shane in 2nd position and Leon in 3rd.
Shane now leads the championship by 44 points but he had mixed feelings about his day saying;
“If I am honest I am slightly disappointed with the 2nd place; the Airwaves Ducati package is so good we definitely had the pace to do the double again today. The Airwaves Ducati was absolutely flying this weekend, we were by far the fastest people on track and that is testament to the GSE Racing team who have worked so hard all weekend. I really wanted to bring them another double but it wasn’t to be. We have secured some good championship points though and I will come back even stronger at Donington in a couple of weeks.”
Leon Camier, who is now 3rd in the championship, was pleased with his result commenting;
“It has been a good day although slightly frustrating at times. I feel as though I had the pace for at least a win or 2nd place in both races, although Shakey would have been hard to beat today. I felt good on the bike I was just struggling to get going on my first few laps, once I got into my rhythm I felt great and I was able to keep up with Shakey so I knew I was right on pace I just need to work on getting away better. I am pleased that I got another podium and more championship points; I am looking forward to getting to Donington and pushing for a win there.”
Race One
1. Shane Byrne – Airwaves Ducati
2. Tom Sykes – Rizla Suzuki
3. Cal Crutchlow – HM Plant Honda
4. Leon Haslam – HM Plant Honda
5. Leon Camier – Airwaves Ducati
Race Two
1. Cal Crutchlow – HM Plant
2. Shane Byrne – Airwaves Ducati
3. Leon Camier – Airwaves Ducati
4. Michael Laverty – Relentless Suzuki
5. Michael Rutter – North West 200 Ducati
Championship Points
1. Shane Byrne – 140 points
2. Cal Crutchlow – 96 points
3. Leon Camier – 83 points
