Virgin Media Yamaha pairing of BJ Toal and Nick Medd face an uphill battle for tomorrow's 18-lap British Supersport season opener after a difficult qualifying session full of red flag incidents today, 19 April.
After a promising conclusion to the morning qualifying session, BJ Toal went into the afternoon proceedings lying in a strong tenth position. However, a series of red flag incidents interrupted the 19-year old's rhythm. Gambling with an intermediate Pirelli tyre during the drier periods did not pay off and the 2007 Virgin Media Cup champion dropped down the order to finish in 25th.
Teammate Nick Medd is still on a confidence building exercise during his return to the British racing scene after over a season's absence. The 28-year old started the second qualifier in 29th but could not improve on his lap time of 1:26.144s and will start Sunday's 18-lap race with everything to do in 39th.
British Eurosport will be screening live coverage of the 18-lap shoot-out this Sunday, 20 April.
Rob McElnea, Team Principal: "We are pretty disappointed to be honest. BJ had some good pace earlier in the day then we took a gamble with and intermediate tyre in the drying conditions, some of the more experienced guys got away with it. Nick has really struggled to find his confidence this weekend, but its still early stages in his comeback to racing."
Combined Qualifying:1. Richards (Triumph)
2. Brogan (Honda)
3. Walker (Honda)
4. Webb (Honda)
5. Hobbs (Honda)
6. Hutchinson (Yamaha)
7. Nutt (Yamaha)
8. Lowry (Suzuki)
9. Cooper (Honda)
10. Grant (Yamaha)
25. Toal (Virgin Media Yamaha)
39. Medd (Virgin Media Yamaha)British Eurosport Live TV Broadcast Window, 12.30 - 16.30 (Sunday 20 April)
