Ryuichi Kiyonari underlined his recent double World Superbike victory at Brands Hatch by setting the second fastest time in today’s opening qualifying session for Sunday’s two eleventh round races at Donington Park.
In appalling conditions, the Japanese HANNspree Ten Kate Honda rider crashed twice today but still topped the leaderboard for most of the day, with a best lap of 1m44.528s. Only series leader, Troy Bayliss, went faster by one tenth of a second.
Kiyonari’s team-mate, Carlos Checa, was eighth fastest today, while the team’s third rider, Kenan Sofuoglu set the thirteenth fastest time.
Ryuichi Kiyonari – P2, 1m44.528sThe conditions were very bad today and the track was very slippery. But we improved the bike from this morning and I had a very good feeling. We need to improve some areas tomorrow and try to get a longer run together. It is not normal for me to crash and I must apologise to my team because I have made a lot of work for them.
Carlos Checa – P8, 1m45.936sThe conditions are the same for everyone, of course, but the weather is very bad. I need to get used to the bike and tyres in these conditions and to find the best way to go fast. It’s not the easiest circuit to do that when it’s wet, but I’m feeling quite positive. I have been to Donington many times in the wet before and I know that the CBR100RR is really very good. We have some ideas to try tomorrow and I’m sure we can improve the position.
Kenan Sofuoglu – P13, 1m46.912sI have some good memories of winning at Donington in World Supersport last year, but memories of today’s weather are not so good. I was feeling quite comfortable and confident on the bike but crashed at Macleans near the end of the session. My shoulder is a little sore, but I’m sure it will be OK for tomorrow.
Ronald ten Kate – team managerThe one thing we cannot change is the weather. But we haven’t had many wet races this year so at least we have had a chance to find a good setting in these conditions. All three riders have made good progress today and I’m happy with where we are, although there is more to do tomorrow.
Results – World Superbike first qualifying:1. T Bayliss (Ducati) 1m44.377
2. R Kiyonari (HANspress Ten Kate Honda) 1m44.528s3. C Crutchlow (Honda) 1m44.627s
8. C Checa (HANNspree Ten Kate Honda) 1m45.936s13. K Sofuoglu (HANNspree Ten Kate Honda) 1m46.912s
