Front Row Starts For Charpentier And Sofuoglu

A promising first day of qualifying hardened into a successful final qualifying performance for both Winston Ten Kate Honda riders at Brands Hatch. Sebastien Charpentier (Winston Ten Kate Honda) rode to second overall in the final qualifying standings, while his team-mate Kenan Sofuoglu (Winston Ten Kate Honda) will join him on the first row of the grid, with his first day qualifying time good enough to put him fourth.

Charpentier’s late charge to second ensured he starts the 23-lap Supersport race from an almost optimal position, having just missed out on pole by 0.053 seconds. Sofuoglu suffered somewhat after experiencing a morning session fall at Surtees, albeit without injury. Losing valuable set-up time, he could not improve on his first day best in the afternoon session.

Ronald Ten Kate – Team Manager

“Although both the riders may feel different about it, because they were both aiming for pole, I am quite happy about being on the front row here, and we have seen how small the differences are in the top few places. The race pace of the boys is really good and it seems we can do pretty comfortable, consistent times. We are ready for tomorrow, and each of the riders want to show their full capacities, so we expect a nice race.”

Sebastien Charpentier – Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider

“It was OK, nothing special. We are getting the bike better as we go. It is not perfect, in two corners of the track only, so that is a little bit difficult for me - one right and one left corner. We will stay at the track tonight with the technicians, and make the bike a bit better. I am in the first row and that is the most important thing. It will be a hard race, but we have worked well and the bike is better every time.”

Kenan Sofuoglu – Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider

“I couldn’t improve on my first day time and my morning crash did not help me in the afternoon timed session. But our times are all really close in qualifying so I can say I am ready for the race and I will give everything at my favourite track. I am only looking to win the race tomorrow. I am not even thinking about second.”

Qualifying 2:

1. Parkes - Yamaha - 1'28.447
2. Charpentier - Winston Ten Kate Honda - 1'28.500
3. Curtain - Yamaha - 1'28.574
4. Sofuoglu - Winston Ten Kate Honda - 1'28.634
5. Chambon - Kawasaki - 1'28.653

Related Links
www.tenkateracing.com

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