The Airwaves Ducati team secured first and second places in both races in round three of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship today at Thruxton. Gregorio Lavilla won both races with team mate Leon Haslam gaining two second place finishes. The duo are now in first and second place in the Championship.
Race one saw Leon take the lead and Gregorio slip from third on the grid into fifth place but he put in some stunning laps to move into second on lap 4. Lavilla took first place from his team mate on lap 7 and the Airwaves Ducati riders were unchallenged for the remainder of the race. Lavilla completed the 22 lap race 4.4 seconds ahead of Haslam with 3rd place Kiyonari a further 8.3 seconds adrift.
In the second race of the day Haslam again took the lead from the start and Lavilla dropped into fourth. The Spaniard passed Rutter and Harris on lap 2 to take second place behind his team mate, before setting a new lap record of 1:14.890 on lap 3. Lavilla took the lead on lap 5 and again the Airwaves Ducati team gained a significant lead from third place. Lavilla took a comfortable win from Haslam who crossed the line 14 seconds ahead of Harris.
After the race, rider number 91, Leon Haslam, said, “I am really happy with my performance this weekend. I set the fastest ever time round the circuit yesterday and it feels great to be second in the championship. However, it was a little frustrating not being able to challenge Greg but my ankle still needs a little more recovery time. I can’t wait for Oulton Park so we can hopefully be at the front and on the podium again.”
Double race winner Gregorio Lavilla said, “It has been a good weekend, now we have to keep the momentum going as I know points can be lost and my lead can be reduced so we have to keep concentrating and working hard. I have to thank the team, my mechanics and hospitality guys; they are like a second family to me and have made me feel at home. I am looking forward to Oulton Park and I hope that it goes as well as this weekend.”
Colin Wright Airwaves Ducati team manager added “It’s been an excellent weekend for the team; Greg and Leon are now first and second in the championship which puts us back on target. Thanks must go to Dunlop Tyres who had a tough job this weekend but pulled out all the stops to give us the edge over our competitors. The first 3 rounds have been tough for everyone but the team have worked wonders, all those concerned should be proud.”
Round four of the BSB Championship is on Monday 1st May at Oulton Park.
Race One Results:1) Gregorio Lavilla – Airwaves Ducati
2) Leon Haslam – Airwaves Ducati
3) Ryuichi Kiyonari – HM Plant Honda
4) Jonathan Rea – Red Bull Honda
5) Shane Byrne – Rizla Suzuki
6) Michael Rutter – Stobart Motorsport
Race Two Results:1) Gregorio Lavilla – Airwaves Ducati
2) Leon Haslam – Airwaves Ducati
3) Karl Harris – HM Plant Honda
4) Ryuichi Kiyonari – HM Plant Honda
5) Jonathan Rea – Red Bull Honda
6) Dean Thomas – Hawk Kawasaki
Related Linkswww.airwaves-ducati.co.uk
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