Sean Emmett will start from Pole for the re-scheduled opening round of the debut Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup season at Donington Park (26th May).
Grid positions for the 12-lap race had already been decided as of qualifying at Brands Hatch back on 5th April. This offered riders the opportunity of two free practice sessions at the Leicestershire circuit, a valuable and rare commodity for the one-make Yamaha series this season. With no fewer than nine of the grid now competing in other championships, the extra 25-minute session will benefit the remainder of the field.
Sean Emmett (Hill Oldridge Racing) dominated proceedings at Brands Hatch. As the rain eased the Weybridge rider set his fastest lap time of 1m 37.986s on his final lap. The two race winners so far this season, Jon Kirkham (Jon Kirkham Racing) and Sam Warren (Mission Racing) will line up in second and third positions respectively, with Gary Mason (VTune/Airmax/Tamworth Yamaha) rounding out the front row.
Adrian Coates (Stoneyford Concrete) is yet to make his mark on the championship. The former British 250GP champion currently lies in ninth, after a fifth at Thruxton. Meanwhile, newcomer Richard Cooper (Co-ordit Racing), will have the toughest task ahead of him. The local rider from Nottingham will not receive the chance to qualify and will have to start the first race from the back of the grid.
The upgrade package of K-Tech suspension, Akrapovic exhaust, Metzeler racing slicks and Power Commander have helped to produce some startlingly quick lap times that would see a number of the Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup riders qualify inside the top ten for the National Superstock 1000 Championship. Evidence of the excellent improvements that can easily be made with just a few adjustments to a standard Yamaha YZF-R1.
The delayed Round 1 of the Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup season is scheduled for a 10.55 start. It will prove a tense battle as final race positions will dictate the grid for the Cup's second visit to the track at 14.40. Wet weather specialists Emmett and Warren will be looking to capitalise on the poor weather forecast for raceday.
Rob McElnea: "We have already witnessed some spectacular racing from the Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup. Despite leading the championship by the slimmest of margins, Emmett will be out for his first win of the season. It was fitting that Joe Henderson of series sponsor Henderson Insurance Services was at Oulton Park. Sam Warren put in a stunning performance to leave the seasoned Superbike riders trailing in his wake. It was just what the series needed and proved that a level playing field will bring talent to the fore. Sunday's two races are not to missed."
Free Practice Results:
1. Kirkham, 2. Coates, 3. B.Wilson, 4. Warren, 5. Emmett (Dry Session)
1. Kirkham, 2. Warren, 3. B.Wilson, 4. Etheridge, 5. Coates (Wet Session)
Qualifying Result (5 April):1 - Emmett (1m 37.342)
2 - Kirkham (1m 38.059)
3 - Warren (1m 38.977)
4 - Mason (1m 39.000)
5 - J Kennedy (1m 39.095)
British Eurosport Live TV Broadcast Window, 12.30 - 16.30 (Monday 26th May)
Images: Steve Eyton
