Rizla Suzuki’s Chris Walker dug deep during qualification to secure eighth place on the second row of the grid for tomorrow’s fifth round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Snetterton in Norfolk. Stalker struggled through the practice sessions searching for a fast set-up on his Rizla Suzuki, before attacking qualification with steely determination and a new Dunlop tyre. He set his fastest lap early on in qualification while running a race distance tyre test in dry sunny conditions.
Cal Crutchlow was impressive throughout the practice sessions but suffered a high-speed crash at the notorious Bomb-hole while going for a quick lap on a sticky tyre. It was his second high-speed crash of the weekend and he walked away unhurt. His earlier lap time set on a race tyre was good enough for 11th place on the third row of the grid. Honda’s Shane Byrne will start from pole position.
Racing starts at 1315 on Sunday, May 20th, at Snetterton in Norfolk. It will be broadcast on ITV1 from 1500 and on Sky Sports Extra from 2300 on the same day.
Stalker:“When my Rizla Suzuki is handling the way I want the speed goes up and we can run very good lap times. It took us all three practice sessions to get to a setting that gave me the confidence to push hard in qualification.
“The good news is that I set my fastest lap early on using a tyre that I have now tested to race distance and on the final lap was still giving good grip and drive. The second row is OK and gives me a chance to run with the leaders; I’ll certainly be giving it my all.”
Cal:“I’ve had two fast crashes during the last two days and I am lucky not to have hurt myself. Crashing can dent a rider’s confidence but I won’t let it affect me; my Rizla Suzuki is good and my lap times on race rubber are strong, I remain upbeat for the races.
“If I get a result tomorrow, there is no doubting I will dedicate it to my team technicians. The work they have put in to supply me with competitive bikes and to fix them once I have crashed has been incredible. Thanks guys!”
Simon Buckmaster, Team Manager:“Chris pulled it out of the bag this afternoon. He showed his fighting spirit and recorded his best lap on a race tyre while distance testing. His crew has worked hard to deliver him the bike that he wants and now it is close he is showing he has a strong race pace and that gives us all encouragement.
“Cal has been comfortable and fast all weekend but his performance has been marred by two crashes. Whether it was the gusting wind or Cal pushing too hard, it is difficult to tell why he crashed, and now he must apply himself to the races. He knows he has the ability to compete for the top six and he will focus on that.
“The whole Rizla Suzuki team has gelled this weekend with everyone pulling in the same direction. Chris’s side has focussed tirelessly on set-up, giving him a bike he is comfortable with. Cal’s side has burnt the midnight oil making repairs and keeping their rider on track. These guys are the unsung heroes of the paddock and my hat goes off to them all.”
Qualification Times:1: Shane Byrne (Honda) 1:04.908
2: Jonathan Rea (Honda) +0.205
3: Gregorio Lavilla (Ducati) +0.221
4: Leon Haslam (Ducati) +0.275
5: Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) +0.331
6: Tom Sykes (Honda) +0.596
7: Tommy Hill (Yamaha) +0.685
8: Chris Walker (Rizla Suzuki) +1.080
9: Simon Andrews (Yamaha) +1.143
10: Karl Harris (Honda) +1.307
11: Cal Crutchlow (Rizla Suzuki) +1.355.
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