Parkes Fourth in Tight Brno Race

Broc Parkes (Yamaha World Supersport Team) fought hard for a podium finish at Brno but had to settle for a fourth place, and third in the championship standings overall.

Parkes did not get his customary strong start from pole position, dropping back to 7th in the pack at the start of the race. He then had to expend energy in the early laps making up places to make sure he was in contention near the end. Parkes was unable to jump out of corners with the same sharpness that had helped him to his fifth pole position in a row after qualifying on Saturday, and was unable to attack in the final few laps.

The race was won by Jonathan Rea, from Andrew Pitt and Josh Brookes.

In the championship standings Broc is now third, on 100 points with Pitt on 133, Brookes 101 and Broc's injured team-mate, Fabien Foret, on 97.

Parkes' team-mate Fabien Foret remains in Hospital under observation following a crash on Friday which left him with cracks in his C6 and C7 vertebrae. He is due to be released shortly but will be out of action for up to three months. The Yamaha World Supersport Team are currently considering alternative riders whilst Foret is recovering.

Massimo Roccoli (Yamaha Team Italia Lorenzini by Leoni) got into the top ten after a disappointing qualifying session yesterday and now sits inside the top ten in the championship standings, ninth on 40 points. David Salom (Yamaha Spain World Supersport Team) held on for the race to score the final point on offer for 15th position.

Broc Parkes (4th - Yamaha World Supersport Team)

"I'm not too happy really. I felt I couldn't battle with other riders today, in the exits of the corners the other riders pulled a bit on me. My start wasn't too good either but I was with the front guys anyway after a few laps. When I got back right to the front group I couldn't fight for the win. I was hoping for a podium on the last lap but I was on the limit, so I was done."

Wilco Zeelenberg (Team Manager, Yamaha World Supersport Team)

"We had some problems with the rear tyre during the warm-up, but we solved those and we decided to stay with the gearing we had because it helped the tyre wear. But after the race it is always easy to say we should have done something different. The pace was OK but on braking Broc could not pass. It was our plan to follow the top group anyway but then you have to be able to pass at the end of the race."
    
Massimo Roccoli (10th - Yamaha Team Italia Lorenzini by Leoni)

"Today it was a very good race because the bike was very fast, the settings were OK the grip was good. For me qualifying was terrible and I am sorry for the team because they had to work really hard over these three days. Next Sunday in Misano there will be some Italian championship races, and that will let me prepare my mind for Brands Hatch."

Circuit Length: 5403
Temp: 25
Weather: Hot and Sunny

2008 WSS Czech Republic - Brno

Race 1 - 18 Laps:

1. Jonathan Rea - Honda - GBR    37'35.093
2. Andrew Pitt - Honda - AUS    0'0.020
3. Joshua Brookes - Honda -AUS    0'1.433
4. Broc Parkes - Yamaha - AUS    0'1.853
5. Barry Veneman - Suzuki - NED    0'2.237
6. Gianluca Nannelli - Honda - ITA    0'12.032
7. Russell Holland - Honda - AUS    0'12.221
8. Matthieu Lagrive - Honda - FRA    0'12.787
9. Vesa Kallio - Honda - FIN    0'15.334
10. Massimo Roccoli - Yamaha - ITA    0'15.780
11. Chris Walker - Kawasaki - GBR    0'23.645
12. Gianluca Vizziello -  Honda - ITA    0'23.758
13. Ivan Clementi - Triumph - ITA    0'24.074
14. Didier Van Keymeulen - Suzuki - BEL    0'24.621
15. David Salom - Yamaha - ESP 0'26.866

Best Lap: Andrew Pitt - Honda - AUS  2'4.062

RIDER STANDINGS:

1. Andrew Pitt - Honda - AUS  133
2. Joshua Brookes - Honda - AUS  101
3. Broc Parkes - Yamaha - AUS  100
4. Fabien Foret - Yamaha - FRA  97
5. Jonathan Rea -  Honda - GBR  92
6. Joan Lascorz - Honda - ESP  81
7. Craig Jones - Honda - GBR  80
8. Robbin Harms - Honda - DNK  50
9. Massimo Roccoli - Yamaha - ITA 40
10. Barry Veneman - Suzuki - NED    38
11. Gianluca Vizziello - Honda - ITA  37
12. Chris Walker - Kawasaki - GBR    36
13. Matthieu Lagrive - Honda - FRA  36
14. Gianluca Nannelli - Honda - ITA  33
15. Ivan Clementi - Triumph - ITA    21
23. David Salom - Yamaha - ESP    9

Manufacturer Standings:

1. Honda    190
2. Yamaha    138
3. Triumph    51
4. Suzuki    47
5. Kawasaki  40

Comments Leave Your Comment: » Register now to leave comments! It's free and only takes a few seconds.