The Airwaves Ducati team qualified in 2nd and 8th for round 9 of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship in an action packed 50 minute session at Oulton Park today. Leon Haslam finished the session 2nd with a time of 1:34.734 whilst Gregorio Lavilla qualified in 8th with a time of 1:35.993.
Haslam started the session in aggressive mood quickly taking the lead. Having changed to a Dunlop qualifying tyre after 6 laps he recorded the first sub 1 minute 35 second lap of the day. Having fitted his qualifying tyre Lavilla was still unable to make an impression on the leaders setting his fastest lap time of the session 1:35.993 soon after.
Leon Haslam held the lead for much of qualifying, continuing the quick form he showed in practice. Towards the close of the session Harris and Haslam switched the lead before the Airwaves Ducati rider made a decisive bid for the top spot with his fastest time of the day, 1:34.734. He looked to have secured pole position until the last minute of the session when Karl Harris shaved 0.219 seconds off his time to take 1st place. Lavilla had a positive ride, ending the session in 8th having had a more sustained run out than he managed yesterday.
After the session a more positive Gregorio Lavilla said. ”Today was a bit better but we still have a way to go. Today I was doing the same times with a race tyre as I was with a qualifying tyre and considering where we have been it is better. I feel happier about the race now but I know that I need to get a good start. We have a few things to sort out but I am feeling more positive.”
Second placed rider Leon Haslam was pleased with his result saying, “I am really happy, and confident on my Dunlop race tyres, it was really important for me to establish the best race tyre as the pace will be hot tomorrow. It’s a shame Karl just got me in the last minute or so but we are good friends and I have been taking a bit of money from him by beating him at golf recently so I bet he wishes he had had a wager on that one now!.”
Airwaves Ducati team manager Colin Wright added, “I am delighted Greg has made a big improvement today and I’m sure he will improve further for the races. Leon has been super fast all through practice and is again looking strong. The team is in a confident mood and will be looking for podium finishes tomorrow.”
Round 9 of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Oulton Park commences tomorrow, Sunday 23rd July 2006.
Qualifying Results:1) Karl Harris - HM Plant Honda 1:34.515
2) Leon Haslam - Airwaves Ducati 1:34.734
3) Ryuichi Kiyonari - HM Plant Honda 1:35.063
4) Jonathan Rea - Red Bull Honda 1:35.321
5) Shane Byrne - Rizla Suzuki 1:35.583
6) Tommy Hill - Virgin Mobile Yamaha 1:35.784
7) Michael Rutter - Stobart Motorsport 1:35.811
8) Gregorio Lavilla - Airwaves Ducati 1:35.993
Related Linkswww.airwaves-ducati.co.uk
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