It was a disappointing end to the year for 21-year-old Brendan Roberts. Roberts who was competing in the final round of the European Superstock Championship struggled all weekend (6th - 8th October) with the technical 2.5-mile Magny Cours Circuit. With varying weather conditions throughout the weekend it was difficult for the young Australian to find a comfortable set up on his HP Racing Suzuki. In the wet conditions Roberts climbed to third on the time sheets during second free practice. However a number of technical problems in second qualifying proved disastrous and he could only manage to qualify in 16th position.
After a good start and avoiding the first corner crash he was soon working his way through the field up to tenth place. On lap eight of the 14-lap Roberts lost the front end going into the penultimate corner, despite a valiant effort to re-mount he was forced to pull into the pits, not the way he wanted to end the season.
Roberts has had a fantastic year, running his own team on-board GSXR-1000 Suzuki's in the National Superstock Championship in the UK. He took six impressive wins and won the Championship with three rounds in hand. After winning the GSXR 750 Cup at Silverstone, the HP Racing Team drafted in Roberts to replace their injured rider in the European Superstock Class.
Roberts impressed from the start turning up at tracks, which he had never visited before and from six starts gained three podiums including one win at Imola. This secured him fifth position in the Championship after only competing in six of the ten rounds.
Commenting he said "This weekend was a nightmare, the conditions made it hard to learn the circuit and to perfect a good race set-up. With my number one bike out of action after a crash on Friday, things went from bad to worst. I was pushing hard in the second qualifying only for the clutch to let go, then in the race it was over heating and lost all power. I could feel the rear spinning as water was spraying onto the tyre, then all of a sudden the front went from under me, when I looked at the bike the front tyre was wet so I knew then any chance of salvaging some points were dashed.
A big thanks has to go the HP racing Suzuki team for their support and giving me the opportunity this year, also my friends and family that have supported me throughout the season. Huge thanks goes to my Mum, Di and my mechanic Glen their help has been much appreciated all year. As for next season I’m hoping to finalise a deal within the next week which will see me racing in the European Superstock class during 2007."
Related Links www.brendan-roberts.com
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