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.
Cal ended up less than half a second off a provisional front row placing. Stalker 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. It will be shown on ITV1 from 1500 and on Sky Sports Xtra at 1900 on the same day.
Cal: “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.”
Stalker: “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.”
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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