Round four of the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship would prove to be one of the toughest challenges yet for Truck Links Yamaha rider Joe Dickinson. The 24 year old from Clowne in Derbyshire struggled to make progress from his fourth row qualifying position in dry conditions at Donington Park yesterday.
Having been caught up in a first lap tussle at McLeans, Joe lost some valuable places and failed to recover enough to earn him a point scoring finish. To his own admission, the youngster had struggled through qualifying, eventually qualifying in 14th position. With it all to do in the race, Joe suffered with his confidence, a result of the pressure he had put on himself. His uncharacteristic finishing place of 19th was later elevated to 17th as a result of the two wildcard World Supersport entries from Hanspree Honda being removed from the results having failed to attend parc ferme after the race.
Joe is due to test at Cadwell Park before Round 5 in order for him to undertake some development work with the team to overcome his current confidence issues. Round 5 takes place on June 13-15 at Snetterton in Norfolk.
Joe Dickinson:"I can't pinpoint what has happened. I seem to be really struggling with my confidence. I got away with the pack but had a coming together with another rider at McLeans that lost me five or so places. On my day I'd be getting those places back and making more progress but I just couldn't pick those places back up again. I'm testing between now and Snetterton and will work hard with the team to overcome these problems. I hope to be back on form at Snetterton."
Rob McElnea, Team Principal: "Joe is struggling with his confidence at the moment, to his own admission it is a problem that he has to get over. We have some track time booked for him between now and Snetterton and will work with him to help him get back to the level of racing that we know he is capable of."
Race Result:1. Lowry (Suzuki)
2. Richards (Truimph)
3. Praia (Honda)
4. Brogan (Honda)
5. Martin (Kawasaki)
6. Webb (Honda)
17. Joe Dickinson (Truck Links Yamaha)Championship Standings:1. Richards - 85
2. Brogan - 65
3. Kennaugh - 58
4. Lowry - 52
5. Martin - 40
21. Dickinson - 4
