Jonathan Rea has put his HANNspree Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR on provisional pole position for Sunday’s tenth round World Supersport race at Donington Park in Great Britain. The 21-year-old Irishman lapped the 4km circuit in 1m47.714s in horrendous conditions in this afternoon’s opening qualifying session.
Rea comes to his home circuit on the back of two victories in the last two races and currently holds second position in the championship table, 32 points behind his team-mate Andrew Pitt.
In spite of torrential rain and a strong wind, the Australian was seventh after today’s 45-minute qualifying session, but is confident of further improvement tomorrow.
Jonathan Rea – P1, 1m47.714sIt was really difficult in those conditions – it was just constant rain and really horrible. We worked towards a good set-up and gearing in better conditions this morning, but it was getting a bit dangerous out there this afternoon. I was very close to the limit and one or two other riders at the front actually went over it and crashed. I just hope we can get some dry weather, especially on Sunday, for all the spectators.
Andrew Pitt – P7, 1m49.155sWe’re not pulling out all the stops yet – just trying everything to see what’s going to work best, because it could well be wet for the race on Sunday. It’s not good anywhere out there, and up towards the right-hander at Macleans, we’re just aquaplaning across the track. But I’ve got a good feeling on the bike at the moment, and I don’t want to lose that. We’ll just continue to make small improvements where we can and get closer to the front tomorrow.
Ronald ten Kate – team managerThat was a good performance from both riders because, although the weather is bad, it is the same for everyone. We expect the track to be very slippery when it’s wet here but I am actually surprised by how much grip we have. I’m sure there will be some more progress made tomorrow.
Results – World Supersport first qualifying:1. J Rea (HANNspree Ten Kate Honda) 1m47.714s2. J Brookes (Honda) 1m48.190s
3. I Clementi (Triumph) 1m48.528s
7. A Pitt (HANNspree Ten Kate Honda) 1m49.155s
