British Superbike Race One Brands Hatch Indy Circuit April 5, 2010 1. Tommy Hill, Suzuki, 30 laps, 23 minutes, 10.296 seconds 2. Ryuichi Kiyonari, Honda, -0.723-second 3. James Ellison, Honda, -4.607 seconds 4. Alastair Seeley, Suzuki, -4.655 5. Josh Brookes, Honda, -8.785 6. Stuart Easton, Honda, -10.598 7. Michel Rutter, Ducati, -11.856 8. Dan Linfoot, Yamaha, -20.079 9. Chris Walker, Suzuki, -20.211 10. John Laverty, Kawasaki, -20.585 11. Martin Jessopp, Ducati, -25.710 12. Yukio Kagayama, Suzuki, -26.357 13. Gary Mason, Kawasaki, -28.288 14. Steve Brogan, BMW, -34.867 15. Peter Hickman, Yamaha, -35.368 16. Adam Jenkinson, Kawasaki, -35.997 17. Luke Jones, Yamaha, -37.276 18. Hudson Kennaugh, Kawasaki, -44.063 19. Chris Burns, Aprilia, -1 lap 20. David Johnson, Suzuki, -1 lap 21. David Anthony, Suzuki, -1 lap 22. Steve Mercer, Yamaha, -1 lap 23. Craig Fitzpatrick, Honda, -1 lap 29. Simon Andrews, Kawasaki, -5 laps, DNF 30. Tom Tunstall, Honda, -5 laps, DNF 32. Christian Iddon, Honda, -12 laps, DNF, crash 34. Michael Laverty, Suzuki, -19 laps, DNF, mechanical Fastest Lap, Brookes, 45.879, 94.05 mph, lap 9 British Superbike Race Two Brands Hatch Indy Circuit April 5, 2010 1. James Ellison, 30 laps, 23 minutes, 3.278 seconds 2. Hill, -0.86-second 3. Seeley, -4.925 seconds 4. Michael Laverty, -6.711 5. Easton, -22.050 6. Rutter, -23.203 7. John Laverty, -27.328 8. Andrews, -29.841 9. Jessopp, -35.885 10. Brogan, -37.489 11. Jenkinson, -39.037 12. Jones, -41.190 13. Iddon, -42.412 14. Mercer, -42.618 15. Kennaugh, -44.526 16. Burns, -44.652 17. Tunstall, -44.719 18. Anthony, -1 lap 19. Johnson, -1 lap 20. Fitzpatrick, -1 lap 26. Brookes, -20 laps, DNF 27. Kagayama, -20 laps, DNF, crash 29. Walker, -22 laps, DNF 31. Johnson, -25 laps, DNF 32. Mason, -26 laps, DNF 33. Kiyonari, -27 laps, DNF Fastest Lap, Seeley, 45.671, 94.48 mph, lap 18 More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki Press Office: HILL TAKES BSB SERIES LEAD AT BRANDS HATCH OPENER Worx Crescent Suzuki’s Tommy Hill leads the 2010 British Superbike Championship after a win and a second place at today’s Brands Hatch opening round. Hill qualified second fastest yesterday and used the front-row start to great effect in race one, shadowing rival Ryuichi Kiyonari for two-thirds distance before passing and making good the race win. In race two, he closely followed James Ellison, but in view of their very fast pace and the complications of passing lappers on the tight track, elected to take a safe second-placed finish to secure the Championship lead. Tommy Hill: “After all the work that the team has put in over the winter and in the build up to the race this weekend, it was just fantastic to come away with the race one win. “The bike’s been consistently good all weekend and I was able to sit behind Kiyo and work out a race plan. At two-thirds distance I thought it was time to make a move. I calculated that ‘Surtees’ would be the place to make it as it would be a surprise to him and mess-up his momentum. “Hats off to James Ellison in race two; he rode well. The pace was really fast, even in the last laps we were lapping as fast as we have all weekend. The grip had gone but we were still doing 45s. To come away with a first and second is brilliant; I really have to thank the team for putting me there. I’m really looking forward to Thruxton now for more of the same.” Hill’s team-mate Yukio Kagayama had a tougher day: His first race was compromised by the bolt breaking that holds his gear lever, meaning he rode for two-thirds of the race stuck in third gear. Impressively, despite this handicap, he finished 12th and set ninth-fastest time in the race. In race two, Kagayama started well and despite his third-row start was inside the top six when he high-sided at Clearways on lap 10. Yukio Kagayama: “My first race I feel was unlucky and then lucky. To lose the gear change was unlucky, but being stuck in third gear was at least a good gear, sometimes too short, sometimes too long, but okay for making a lap. “In the second race it was all going well; I was happy but then I crashed. Again I feel lucky as it was a fast crash but I’m okay and only in a little pain. “So, I’d like to say congratulations to Tommy for his win and podium. At Thruxton, for sure, I’d like to join him on the podium!” Jack Valentine – Team Manager: “Tommy showed our true potential this weekend. We put in a lot of hard work into pre-season testing – very hard work – as we had a lot of new equipment to test and we struggled with the weather. But that hard work paid off today with Tommy netting two fantastic results. “Yukio was extremely unlucky today; firstly in that first race and then again when he high-sided in the second when he was looking good for a fifth or even fourth place finish there. I’ve no doubt Yukio has the potential to be there with Tommy. So we’re looking forward to Thruxton and building on our championship lead.” MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch: Race one: 1. Tommy Hill (Worx Crescent Suzuki) 2. Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) +0.723s 3. James Ellison (Swan Honda) +4.607s 4. Alastair Seeley (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +4.655s 5. Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda) +8.785s 6. Stuart Easton (Swan Honda) +10.598s 7. Michael Rutter (Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati) +11.856s 8. Dan Linfoot (Motorpoint Yamaha) +20.079s 9. Chris Walker (CW Racing Suzuki) +20.211s 10. John Laverty (Buildbase Kawasaki) +20.585s 12. Yukio Kagayama (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +26.357 Race two: 1. James Ellison (Swan Honda) 2. Tommy Hill (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +0.186s 3. Alastair Seeley (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +4.925s 4. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +6.711s 5. Stuart Easton (Swan Honda) +22.060s 6. Michael Rutter (Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati) +22.203s 7. John Laverty (Buildbase Kawasaki) +27.328s 8. Simon Andrews (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +29.841s 9. Martin Jessopp (Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati) +35.885s 10. Steve Brogan (Jentin Racing BMW Evo) British Superbike Championship Points (after 1 round): 1. Tommy Hill (Worx Crescent Suzuki) 45 2. James Ellison (Swan Honda) 41 3. Alastair Seeley (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 29 4. Stuart Easton (Swan Honda) 21 5. Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) 20 16. Yukio Kagayama (Worx Crescent Suzuki) 4 More, from a press release issued by Quay Garage Honda: BRIDEWELL LUCKS OUT AT BRANDS Quay Garage Honda rider Tommy Bridewell caused a sensation at the opening round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch today but as it turned out luck wasn’t on his side following a pair of non finishes. Riding the ex Shakey Byrne 2007 Honda Fireblade the 21 year old from Etchilhampton in Wiltshire continued his fantastic weekend form when he made a superb start in today’s opening 30-lap race from his row two starting position as he slotted into fourth place during the opening laps. Eventually Bridewell made a move into third and he chased Suzuki’s Tommy Hill and Honda ace Ryuichi Kiyonari and gradually closed them down. Bridewell was looking good for a podium but then disaster struck when he slid out at Graham Hill Bend on lap 14 luckily without injury but much to his disappointment. Looking to make amends in race two, again Bridewell made a fantastic start and held fourth place in the opening stages as he chased the leading trio of James Ellison, Josh Brookes and Tommy Hill. However as he battled to maintain his position he clashed with Suzuki rider Michael Laverty which resulted in Bridewell crashing out at Druids Corner and out of the race as a result again. Despite two non scores, the Quay Garage Honda team were reasonably satisfied with their performances this weekend which has placed both the team and Bridewell firmly in the BSB spotlight and they are hoping to continue their good form with a bit better luck at their local track of Thruxton in Hampshire in two weeks time. Tommy Bridewell: “I’m very disappointed with today as I felt that we could have been on the podium and had some good results. I knew my race pace was very strong and I could run at the front. The bike was handling absolutely amazingly today and the Quay Garage team have done an absolutely fantastic job and it’s just a shame I couldn’t repay them with two good results. We’ve made an impression on the BSB Championship that we are going to be there or thereabouts even though we didn’t get much of a result this weekend. I’m looking forward to our local track at Thruxton where the bike works really well and I hope we can continue from here and get a couple of good results.” Ian Woollacott, team owner: “Although we’ve not wrapped up any points this weekend I think it’s fair to say that Tommy has been an absolute star and that our bike is very competitive. The fact that we are running on a fraction of what the other top teams are spending just shows how good the package is and I’d like to thank Tommy for doing a great job for us this weekend and also to John and James Buckingham who are as much responsible for this result as anyone. Roll on Thruxton and hopefully we can have another good performance and stick the bike in amongst the front runners again.” MCE British Superbike Championship Race 1 – 30 laps Tommy Bridewell (Quay Garage Honda) 13 laps – DNF 1 Tommy Hill (Suzuki) 23m10.296s 2 Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) +0.723s 3 James Ellison (Honda) +4.607s 4 Alastair Seeley (Suzuki) +4.655s 5 Josh Brookes (Honda) +8.785s 6 Stuart Easton (Honda) +10.598s 7 Michael Rutter (Ducati) +11.856s 8 Dan Linfoot (Yamaha) +20.079s 9 Chris Walker (Suzuki) +20.211s 10 John Laverty (Kawasaki) +20.585s MCE British Superbike Championship Race 2 – 30 laps Tommy Bridewell (Quay Garage Honda) 9 laps – DNF 1 James Ellison (Honda) 23m03.278s 2 Tommy Hill (Suzuki) +0.186s 3 Alastair Seeley (Suzuki) +4.925s 4 Michael Laverty (Suzuki) +6.711s 5 Stuart Easton (Honda) +22.050s 6 Michael Rutter (Ducati) +22.203s 7 John Laverty (Kawasaki) +27.328s 8 Simon Andrews (Kawasaki) +29.841s 9 Martin Jessopp (Ducati) +35.885s 10 Steve Brogan (BMW) +37.489s 2010 MCE Insurance British Superbike Calendar R1 Brands Hatch 3/4/5 April R2 Thruxton 16/17/18 April R3 Oulton Park 1/2/3 May R4 Cadwell Park 21/22/23 May R5 Mallory Park 25/26/27 June R6 Knockhill 2/3/4 July R7 Snetterton 16/17/18 July R8 Brands Hatch GP 6/7/8 August R9 Cadwell Park 28/29/30 August R10 Croft 10/11/12 September R11 Silverstone GP 24/25/26 September R12 Oulton Park 8/9/10 October More, from a press release issued by sorrymate.com/SMT Honda: Impressive BSB debut for Iddon Christian Iddon made an impressive British Superbike Championship debut at the weekend and the sorrymate.com/SMT Honda rider was duly rewarded with 13th place in the second race at Brands Hatch on Easter Monday for his first ever BSB points. The talented youngster had been strong throughout qualifying and although he slid off in the opening 30-lap race, he regrouped strongly for the second and strung together an extremely consistent race to finish just outside the top ten. With four free practice sessions before official qualifying, Christian gained valuable time in getting more used to the Superbike although the mixed weather conditions meant that the entire grid were up and down on the timesheets. The best weather came in Saturday afternoon’s dry session and a time of 47.154s saw Christian just 1.2 seconds off the quickest time but by qualifying on Sunday afternoon, he was confident of improving upon that and climbing into the all important top 20. Sure enough, with a superb lap of 46.867s he slotted into 15th place at the end of the first 20-minute session, less than a second off provisional pole position, thus advancing through to the second stage of qualifying. Sadly, any hopes of improving further were dashed when a technical problem limited him to just one lap in Q2 and he slipped back to 20th on the grid although the former World Supermoto ace was still comfortably ahead of vastly more experienced riders including former World Superbike champion Neil Hodgson. Monday’s opening 30-lap race saw Christian make a great start and by the end of the opening lap he was up to 17th, a position he made 16th a lap later as he circulated right on the edge of the points. Here he remained until lap 4 when he got pushed back to 17th but he was riding well, embroiled in a great dice for 14th place. Briefly relegated to 18th, he was back into 17th by lap 14 and still in with a great chance of claiming his first British Superbike Championship points but on lap 19 he slid off at Druids and his race was over. The new grid format for race 2, where positions are decided on the fastest laps set in the first race, saw Christian line up in 18th on the grid, two places further forward from where he had originally lined up, and although he dropped back to 20th at the end of the first lap, he was back up to his original start place of 18th by lap 7. With a number of crashes amongst the front runners in the first ten laps, Christian was promoted up the order and by half race distance he was running in 14th. On lap 20, he finally got the better of circuit specialist Steve Mercer to move up to 13th and here he stayed for the remainder of the race to round out an extremely strong weekend with three deserved championship points. Meanwhile, Kenny Gilbertson ensured their were more points for the team when he took the sorrymate.com Honda into 14th place in the opening round of the Metzeler National 1000cc Superstock Championship. Looking back at the weekend, team owner Robin Croft said: “We were all a little bit disappointed after the first race but the crash was simply one of those things and could have happened to anyone, as we saw in race 2. Having qualified 20th, we were looking to move forward in the race and get as close to the points as we could so in that respect it was working well. The team worked hard to get the bike ready and we made a couple of changes for race 2 and although it gave Christian more grip at the rear, he lost a little bit of feel for the front end and it took him the first ten laps to get used to the bike. Once he got going though, he started to put in some extremely consistent times and with all the carnage that was going on out there, he rode sensibly and cleanly which ultimately paid dividends. The race came to us and after a good dice with Luke Jones, we were all delighted to see Christian come home in 13th place. To qualify inside the top 20 and then claim his first ever BSB points at his first attempt is no mean feat by Christian so we’re all very pleased with the way the weekend has finished. The whole team and everyone at sorrymate.com are delighted with his riding this weekend and we can now look forward to Thruxton in a confident mood.” The second round of the British Superbike Championship takes place at Thruxton, Hampshire on Sunday April 18th. More, from a press release issued by GNS Racing: LOWES STORMS TO BRANDS VICTORY GNS Racing rider Sam Lowes romped to a fantastic victory in the opening round of the Fuchs Silkolene British Supersport Championship at Brands Hatch in Kent today and in doing so, recorded a sensational debut win for Gary Stubbington’s brand new team. After qualifying in sixth place, the 19 year old from Lincoln got a great start and was soon battling with the leading bunch before making his move for the lead at half race distance. Lowes gradually pulled away at the front aboard the 600cc Honda CBR and was looking in control when out came the red flags a few laps short following an accident and oil spillage meaning the 2009 British Supersport Cup Champion took his maiden win to lead the Championship. It got even better for the Southampton-based team when Lowes’ team-mate Paul Jordan managed to score a third placed finish in the British Supersport Cup class whereby the young Ulsterman claimed a fine 18th overall in his first ever four-stroke race after qualifying in 20th place on the grid. Sam Lowes: “I’m mega happy to get the result for me and for the team as it’s been a lot of hard work for both sides. It was a good race and I tried to keep calm at the start as it’s a long race and once I got to the front it felt strange as I’ve never led a Supersport race before! My pit board showed I was getting better and better and I just kept my head down. It upset me a little bit when I came upon the backmarkers but then the red flag came out and I came into pit lane and saw everyone celebrating and I was overwhelmed. We’ve now got something to build on for the rest of the year and it was nice just to prove that I can do it. A big thanks to all the team for their hard work, I was on it!” Paul Jordan: “I’d also like to say a big thank you to all the team for all their hard work this weekend and it’s a great start to the Championship. I got into my groove and just plugged away at it and managed to set the fastest lap of the Cup riders. I’m looking forward to the next round now and I’ve got a good starting point that I can build upon.” Gary Stubbington: “I’m ecstatic and I just don’t know what to say! I’d like to thank everyone in the team for all their hard work and after all the pressures we’ve had over the winter to get a result like this is great. I’d also like to thank all the people who have helped me behind the scenes the engineers and graphics people and especially the team members and I can’t believe what they have done to help me and this great result is all down to them as they have taken us to where we are now. We have to try to emulate this now over the rest of the season.” The team now looks forward to the next round of the Championship which takes place at their local Thruxton Circuit in Hampshire over the weekend of April 17/19 and where they’ll be looking to continue their great start to the season. Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport 600cc Championship 21 laps 1 Sam Lowes (Honda) 16m39.683s 2 James Westmoreland (Yamaha) +1.553s 3 Billy McConnell (Yamaha) +1.579s 4 Jason OHalloran (Triumph) +2.059s 5 Graeme Gowland (Honda) +2.692s 6 Daniel Cooper (Triumph) +2.973s 7 Paul Young (Triumph) +4.688s 8 Ian Hutchinson (Honda) +4.717s 9 Tom Grant (Yamaha) +7.898s 10 AJ Venter (Triumph) +9.804s 18 Paul Jordan (Honda) +1 lap Cup 1 David Jones (Triumph) 2 Daniel Kneen (Yamaha) 3 Paul Jordan (Honda) More, from a press release issued by John McGuinness’ publicist: Strong start to 2010 season for McGuinness John McGuinness got his 2010 season off to a strong start at Brands Hatch on Easter Monday when he finished in sixth place in the opening round of the Metzeler National 1000cc Superstock Championship. The Morecambe man was in fine form all weekend on the Padgetts Honda and was less than two seconds adrift of second place at the chequered flag with the hard earned ten championship points ensuring his 21st year in racing is up and running in fine style. Carrying on from where he left off at the end of the 2009 season, John was on the pace immediately and 3rd in free practice signalled his intentions for the weekend. First qualifying was slightly damp with the track drying throughout the 25-minute session but a slight mix-up towards the end meant that John didn’t get enough time on a dry rear tyre and he had to settle for 10th. However, second and final qualifying for his group was dry and a lap of 48.616s saw John leap up to 3rd overall and and 3rd in the group. When the qualifying positions for the two groups were combined, John lined up in 5th overall and headed off the second row of the grid. The rains stayed away for Monday’s 24-lap race although conditions were still very cool and after being shuffled back a couple of places at the first corner, John completed the first lap in eighth place, a position he maintained until lap 7 when race leader, and team-mate, Glen Richards crashed out. Up in to 7th, John was slowly reeling in the 5-strong group in front of him but overtaking opportunities around the Indy circuit were limited as always so it was very much a patient game for the experienced rider. However, with less than two laps of the race remaining, he moved by Richard Cooper to claim sixth and here he stayed for the final lap and a half to get his season underway. Speaking afterwards, John commented; “It was a strong ride and I felt that I was as quick as anyone else out there, it was just the first half a lap that was my undoing. I definitely had the pace to be running second but I was a little bit lazy away from the line and it was ultimately my track position that conspired against me. I closed up to the boys in front of me quite comfortably but finding a way by someone on this circuit is never easy and whilst a couple of the boys made slight mistakes, they weren’t big enough to allow me to find a way by. I was a bit de-tuned when I saw Glen go down but I got back into my rhythm and stayed strong until the end of the race so it’s a solid start. The opening round sometimes throws up a few surprises but I’ve got some decent points on the board already and the bike’s mega so we’re well placed for another challenge for the title.” The second round of the British Superstock 1000cc Championship takes place at Thruxton, Hampshire on Sunday April 18th. More, from a press release issued by Steve Plater’s publicist: WINNING START TO THE SEASON FOR STEVE PLATER Steve Plater got his season underway in the best possible way when he romped home to take the win with a 6.7 second advantage over Howie Mainwaring in the opening round of the Superstock 1000 championship at Brands Hatch on Monday. First qualifying was held in wet conditions but Sunday’s final session took place in the dry giving Plater the opportunity to put in some ultra-fast laps. He briefly held pole position but his opponents were even quicker and Plater appeared to be looking at a second or third row start to Monday’s race. But the vastly experienced Lincolnshire rider bided his time and waited until the very last lap before going out on a new tyre and posting the second fastest lap of the session to claim a front row start to his race. “Fortunately today in qualifying the rain stayed away and I was able to get some good, fast laps in and get myself up onto the front row,” said the ever-smiling HM Plant Honda rider. “The weather is supposed to be better for race day, I think Brands Hatch has its own little climate just like Cadwell but, getting away from the weather, the Indy circuit is one I really enjoy and I still hold the Supersport record from last year. Most of the track has been resurfaced I do believe if the weather is good then the lap record in every class will go.” Plater was correct on both counts as the weather remained dry for his race and he went on to break the lap record. As the 23-lap event got underway, Plater slotted into second place behind Glen Richards and the pair quickly opened up a gap from the following pack. But things took a dramatic change when Richards highsided after just six laps leaving Plater to take the lead and gradually pull away from the rest of the field. He continued to add to his lead and established a new lap record on lap 17 of 46.671s 92.45mph before slowing as he negotiated his way through the back markers. He eventually crossed the finish line some 6.7 seconds ahead of Howie Mainwaring to claim maximum points and the series lead. “I was beginning to catch Glen (Richards) but unfortunately he suffered a big highside coming out of Graham Hill Bend and crashed, I am just hoping he is ok and fit enough to ride the Honda in the Supersport class later today. (Unfortunately this was not the case as he suffered a broken shoulder and ribs). “I just settled down and concentrated on pulling clear from the guys behind. I was shown the pit board and saw I was seven or eight seconds ahead so I was quite comfortable and didn’t really panic when I got in amongst the back markers. I just conserved my tyre towards the end to make sure of the win. Now I can look forward to the Superbike races and hope my teammates can come up with similar results!” More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki Press Office: SEELEY AND RELENTLESS SUZUKI TAKE BRANDS PODIUM Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing’s Alastair Seeley sits proudly in third place in the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship after the opening two races at Brands Hatch in Kent. The series Rookie’s fourth place in race one was bettered in the second with a strong third-placed podium finish, boosted by the fastest lap of the race. Michael Laverty retired from the opening race after a mechanical problem, but the former British Supersport Champion bounced back in race two, finishing fourth just behind his team-mate on his Relentless Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbike. Both riders showed courage and determination on race day, battling through the pack on the short-and-demanding Brands Hatch Indy Circuit: Seeley fought through to third in race one after a mediocre start, sweeping past title favourites Stuart Easton and Josh Brookes and only losing out on a debut podium to James Ellison by half a second. Laverty’s crew worked tirelessly to guarantee his place on the grid in race two, and although the Toomebridge man was forced to take a chance on some untried settings, he impressively pushed through from eighth on the grid to a podium position after 11 laps. The hard-charging Seeley did eventually pass Laverty on lap 12 which he held to the flag, but to have both Relentless Suzukis in the top-four was a pleasing start to the season for everyone involved. Alastair Seeley: “It was nice to get that result in race two: the first BSB podium for the boys and also the fastest lap of the race on the Relentless by TAS Suzuki. We’ll need to work on our starts for the next round, but I really enjoyed today. There were some hard moves going on out there; I think I swapped paint with Easton in race one a few times! The guys in the team have been doing a great job for me, and I know I’ve said it more than once today, but the bike was on rails in race two. The biggest thing I noticed from riding in Superstock is the quality of the entry and when you make a pass it has to be forceful and very precise. I’m delighted with our start and I’m now well set up for Thruxton.” Michael Laverty: “I’ll take the positives from the weekend with fourth place in race two, but I have to admit I was frustrated at times with the problems we encountered this weekend. The biggest problem was the lack of track time, but I must give big credit to the boys in the garage as they had absolutely no time to sit back and relax this weekend. There will be better days but it was nice to see Alastair getting his podium.” Philip Neill – BSB Team Principal: “We’ll certainly take that as a start to the season. All the hard work over the winter from the team and the riders is already paying off. This is an early repayment to our sponsors Suzuki and Relentless and all our other loyal backers, but we will not get carried away. To score a podium finish at the start of our third season in the premier BSB class is very satisfying. However, now we have ticked that box our next goal must be the top-step of the podium. “We are operating with two highly-motivated riders this season. With Alastair, we never really knew how long it would take for him to make the transition to Superbike. His quiet confident manner is hard to read at times but I think today is a sign of what’s to come from him. “Michael Laverty has been equally-impressive this weekend and how he conducted himself during and after the problems he encountered, demonstrates his level of professionalism. After the race one disappointment, his result in race two was phenomenal; especially running some untried settings. It was also especially-pleasing to see both bikes running P3 and P4 on traaack togetther in race two, as that’s the sort of thing that makes it all worthwhile. It’s onwards and upwards now.” MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch: Race one: 1. Tommy Hill (Worx Crescent Suzuki) 2.Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) +0.723s 3.James Ellison (Swan Honda) +4.607s 4.Alastair Seeley (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +4.655s 5.Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda) +8.785s 6.Stuart Easton (Swan Honda) +10.598s 7.Michael Rutter (Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati) +11.856s 8.Dan Linfoot (Motorpoint Yamaha) +20.079s 9.Chris Walker (CW Racing Suzuki) +20.211s 10.John Laverty (Buildbase Kawasaki) +20.585s Race two: 1.James Ellison (Swan Honda) 2.Tommy Hill (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +0.186s 3.Alastair Seeley (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +4.925s 4.Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +6.711s 5.Stuart Easton (Swan Honda) +22.060s 6.Michael Rutter (Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati) +22.203s 7.John Laverty (Buildbase Kawasaki) +27.328s 8.Simon Andrews (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +29.841s 9.Martin Jessopp (Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati) +35.885s 10.Steve Brogan (Jentin Racing BMW Evo) Championship Standings (after 1 round): 1. Tommy Hill (Worx Crescent Suzuki) 45 2.James Ellison (Swan Honda) 41 3.Alastair Seeley (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 29 4.Stuart Easton (Swan Honda) 21 5.Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) 20 More, from a press release issued by Swan Honda: SWAN HONDA SECURE VICTORY AT BRANDS HATCH The Swan Honda team got their season off to a flying start at Brands Hatch today with James Ellison securing a double podium finish, winning the second race of the day, at the opening round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship. Ellison started from tenth on the grid before battling through the field to secure third in the opening race, whilst Stuart Easton put in a gritty performance to finish sixth despite still suffering from his leg injury sustained in testing. For race two Ellison started from second on the grid, due to the fastest lap from race one deciding the grid position for race two, and he got off to a storming start to lead the field from race one winner Tommy Hill. Ellison held the advantage to give Swan Honda their first win of the season whilst Easton impressed from his second row start to finish in a strong fifth place. Ellison said: “I am having so much fun with the Swan Honda team and today you could see that. I knew we had the pace so it was a case of keeping it smooth and consistent as there were about ten people out there that could have won the race. I wanted to get into the lead in the second race, as we had moved up to the front row, and I knew we would have a good shot at the win which is exactly what we did. The team have done such a fantastic job and it is a great result to win on my first race back with the Swan Honda team and reward the team for their hard work.” Easton said: “In the first race I felt happy with the pace and the only time I was really aware of the injury was the change of direction from Druids to Graham Hill Bend. I was having a hard scrap with Alastair Seeley, but he was able to get by and I was happy with the points for sixth. In the second race I was happy with fifth; to come away fourth in the championship despite the injury is a good start for me. I am now looking forward to my leg healing and getting my season underway properly at Thruxton.” Team Manager Shaun Muir concluded: “I’m absolutely delighted with the performances of both my riders for different reasons. Stuart was fantastic; riding through the pain barrier and it has been quite a psychological week for him, but his consistency has paid off. James was great in the first race to come through from tenth on the grid to finish third and then to start second and win was a testament to his desire to win the championship. We wanted to get some good points on the board here at Brands Hatch and we have done just that, so we leave here happy and now look forward to Thruxton.” MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, race one result: 1. Tommy Hill (Worx Crescent Suzuki) 2. Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) +0.723s 3. James Ellison (Swan Honda) +4.607s 4. Alastair Seeley (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +4.655s 5. Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda) +8.785s 6. Stuart Easton (Swan Honda) +10.598s MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, race two: 1. James Ellison (Swan Honda) 2. Tommy Hill (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +0.186s 3. Alastair Seeley (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +4.925s 4. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +6.711s 5. Stuart Easton (Swan Honda) +22.060s MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch standings after Brands Hatch: 1. Tommy Hill (Worx Crescent Suzuki) 45 2. James Ellison (Swan Honda) +41 3. Alastair Seeley (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 29 4. Stuart Easton (Swan Honda) 21 5. Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) 20 More, from a press release issued by Honda: MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship Round One Brands Hatch Indy Circuit Monday 5 April Lap distance 1.1986miles Air temp 11.1 degrees c Track temp 17.2 degrees c Wind west north west 15mph Ellison wins second race thriller for Honda after Kiyonari takes a close second in opener. James Ellison gave Honda the winning feeling as he rode strongly and determinedly to victory in the second of the two races in the opening round on the short, fast Brands Hatch Indy circuit. Earlier, he had finished in third place adrift of the returning force of two times former British champion Ryuichi Kiyonari as Honda riders packed the placings in the top six. Kiyonari, riding the HM Plant Honda CBR1000RR had claimed pole start, while Ellison, who suffered a machine problem that ruled him out of the third element of the grid decider, started from the third row but he was soon carving his way through the pack. Kiyonari meanwhile had made the perfect start and was heading the action, though always having to contend with the close challenges of Suzuki rider Tommy Hill while Stuart Easton ran third, despite the leg injuries sustained in pre-season testing. Hill snatched the lead with eight laps remaining, but Kiyonari was always in contention as they battled their way through back-markers, and at the flag, there was only 0.732secs between them. Ellison, riding similar Honda, but in Swan colours, moved into third place on the penultimate lap at the expense of Suzuki rider Alastair Seeley who finished ahead of Josh Brookes on the second HM Plant Honda. Easton finished a brave sixth. The newly introduced rules to the championship revised the grid for the second race, with Brookes, having set the fastest lap in the opener taking pole, and Ellison being elevated to second place on the front row with Hill and Kiyonari alongside him. Ellison made a storming start to the second race, taking full advantage of the rule change to be running clear of Brookes and Hill, while Kiyonari was sluggish off the lane and was soon pulling off with an electrical problem. It was hard and fast up front with Ellison riding superbly to hold off the determined Hill with Brookes running well in third till disaster struck for the Australian as he slid out of the race at Druids Hairpin. Ellison fought off Hill to take the victory after 30 laps by 0.186secs with Suuzki team-mates Alastair Seeley and Michael Laverty finishing ahead of the Easton who was riding in some discomfort. Honda rider quotes after race one: Ryuichi Kiyonari: “The back markers towards the end of the race were not too much of a problem but I was a little disappointed that I could not push on more I need to understand more the traction control, tyre life, and keep my lap times more consistent.” James Ellison: 3rd. “The race was good fun, but I am frustrated and should have started better than tenth on the grid, but the positives are that I know that I have the race and the set-up, and looking at my rear tyre, that underlines are settings are good.” Josh Brookes: 5th. “I thought I had a bit more to play with but when I wanted to push I couldn’t and I am trying to figure out why. I know that I can do fast laps, but I have to do them all of the way through the race.” Stuart Easton: 6th. “Early on in the race I felt comfy with the pace, and the only time I had any discomfort was struggling to change direction going down hill from Druids to Graham Hill Bend. I was having a hard scrap with Seeley and began to think to myself that I couldn’t afford to crash, became a bit tense, and took the position.” Havier Beltran, team manager HM Plant Honda: “That was a good effort by Kiyo, he led the race, showed that he had the pace to be up there going for victories. Josh is frustrated with himself, he knows that he can put in fast laps, has held his own and shown his pace by setting the fastest race lap to be on pole for the second race.” Quotes after race two: Ellison: 1st. “That was far from comfortable, hard work. My brother Dean told me to get out there get the lead and keep it smooth. I did just that! The only difference we made to the bike between races was new tyres. It has been mega all weekend. I’m just so pleased to win for the team who have worked so hard. Easton: 5th. “I’m a bit sore, this has been a long weekend, but considering my injury to come away with these results is very good for me. For me it was a case of keeping my nose clean, taking what I could and good points. I am well up in the championship and will get my leg fixed now to be able to start my season for real at Thruxton.” Kiyonari: (dnf). “This was disappointing for me, we had an electrical problem and there was nothing that I could do. Brookes: (dnf). “I tried too hard it’s as simple as that. Too much speed, too much brakes, too much angle. I’m just annoyed, but, I’m still in a better position than I was this time last year.” Shaun Muir , team owner Swan Honda: “I’m absolutely delighted with the performances of both of my rider for different reasons. Easton was fantastic riding through the pain barrier and it has been quite a psychological week for him but his consistency will pay off. Ellison was great to come through from tenth on the grid to finish third in the opener and then to start second and win was a testament to his desire to win the championship. We wanted good points on the board here, and we have done just that.” Havier Beltran, team manager HM Plant Honda: “Very frustrating for us. Kiyo had an electrical problem, came into the pits to clarify it, was able to leave, but then it happened again and he decided to turn it off. We know that we have the pace to be at the front. We have a lot of work to do for Thruxton, but we go there knowing that we can be at the front.”