Team Virgin Mobile Yamaha's Tommy Hill secures two 12th positions at the World Superbike Championship at Silverstone! Tommy was all smiles as he started on pole position after being the fastest man round the Northamptonshire circuit during practice sessions. Despite the persistent rain over the last few days, the sun was shining for race day of the fifth round of the Corona Extra World Superbike Championship (Sunday 28th May).
21 year old Hill was a wildcard entry for the British round of the Championship after the Team chose to use Pirelli tyres this season. As the lights went out for the first race, Tommy made a strong start but an almighty pile-up on the first lap took out many of the big names including Troy Corser and Alex Barros, and the race was red-flagged.
At the restart Tommy was back in pole position and launched into the first turn in fourth position which he held for the first part of the race. As the laps ticked on, Hill was caught by the chasing pack including Bayliss, Haga and Walker.
Lingfield based Hill was going strong in 11th position despite the World Superbike races being 10 laps longer than those in the British Superbike Championship. With five laps to go, Nieto passed Hill but Tommy held off pressure from Lanzi to secure a well-deserved 12th position.
Race two, and the reset button was pressed and despite feeling slightly tired from the first race it was time for Rock on Tommy to do it all again. Again, Tommy got a fantastic start and by the end of the first lap was holding fourth place behind Bayliss, Walker and Haga. As those three extended their lead, Hill was at the front of chasing pack. Corser caught Hill and with some twoing and froing Tommy slipped down to 8th over the next few laps.
The pace was fast and Bayliss set a new lap record of 1.26.299. Tommy was riding well in 10th place but Nieto was chasing Hill down all the time and eventually caught him half way through the race. Tommy held on to 11th place until Abe passed him with one lap to go and Hill came away with his second 12th place of the day.
Tommy Hill: “It has been a mega weekend, to get pole was good for everyone, it was a level playing field. It was daunting in the first race, and by the time I had settled down I had lost six places as Haga and them boys were on it from the start. It was better in race two as I was more relaxed. It’s been a fantastic experience and one I can learn a lot from. It was incredible to be behind such legends and watch their riding style and tactics. I can take what I have learnt and hopefully use it in BSB."
Rob McElnea, Team Manager said: "I am over the moon, it has gone better than any of us could have hoped for. Tommy showed us all how much talent he has and with the top 6 places taken by six ex-world championships, it is an awesome achievement. Tommy has done himself and the Team proud."
Race One results:1 Troy Bayliss 40min 49.894,
2 Noriyuki Haga Yamaha +0.890,
3 James Toseland +1.705,
4 Ruben Xaus +8.285,
5 Andrew Pitt Yamaha +12.303,
6 Chris Walker +23.716,
7 Regis Laconi +25.483,
8 Karl Muggeridge +26.049,
9 Alex Barros +29.650,
10 Norick Abe Yamaha +32.208,
11 Fonsi Nieto +39.607,
12 Tommy Hill Team Virgin Mobile Yamaha +41.550.
Race Two results:1 Troy Bayliss 40min 42.003,
2 Noriyuki Haga Yamaha +1.585,
3 James Toseland +12.058,
4 Andrew Pitt Yamaha +14.561,
5 Alex Barros +16.826,
6 Troy Corser +21.230,
7 Ruben Xaus +22.056,
8 Chris Walker +22.549,
9 Karl Muggeridge +22.708,
10 Fonsi Nieto +34.025,
11 Norick Abe Yamaha +34.739,
12 Tommy Hill Team Virgin Mobile Yamaha +35.112.
Related Linkswww.virginmobileracing.com
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