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Byrne does the double at Donington |
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Tuesday, 27 May 2008 |
Shane Byrne extended his championship lead with a fantastic double race win in
extremely windy conditions at Donington Park today. Leon Camier secured himself
valuable championship points with a 5th and 4th place finish.
Shane
Byrne dominated race one, leading for all but 2 laps, taking the chequered flag
2.4 seconds ahead of his nearest rival. Leon Camier had to work hard to regain
places having dropped down the field from the start. The introduction of the
safety car on lap 8 enabled him to close the gap on the riders ahead and he
battled it out to eventually take 5th place on the final lap.
Both Airwaves Ducati’s got a poor start in race two and had to work through the
field to 4th and 5th positions midway through the race. Having caught the
leading pack they both challenged for podium places. Shane overtook the two
Honda’s to take the lead on lap 18 whilst Leon pushed hard for the final podium
spot just missing out and finishing in 4th.
Shane was delighted with his
result saying; “I knew the Ducati 1098R would suit this circuit and with the
Airwaves Ducati working as well as it has been this weekend I am so pleased to
have got another double win for the team. Race one was great, I got a good start
and was in front for most of the race but it still felt great to take that first
win. I was a little nervous ahead of race two and unfortunately my start was
nowhere near as good; the conditions felt a lot windier and with a bad start I
had made it hard work for myself. I got a bit knocked about on the first few
corners and I was quite far down the field but I didn’t worry about it too much.
I just took my time before kicking up a gear and making my move on the leaders.
I left it quite late to overtake Haslam but I was pleased I was able to pass him
and take another double win for Airwaves Ducati.”
Leon was disappointed
not to have got on the podium but was pleased with his performance. “It’s been a
good weekend although I am slightly gutted I was not able to get on the podium,
especially when I came so close in the second race. Considering I have not been
here on a Superbike before it has gone well for me and I have learnt a lot. I
didn’t make it easy for myself qualifying in 8th but my starts were better today
and I was in amongst it in both races. The Airwaves Ducati was working so well
all weekend and I felt really strong but we were losing all our speed to the
Honda’s on the straights which made it tough to overtake. I am disappointed not
to have got on the podium but I have got some good points and I will look to
continue it at Snetterton in a few weeks time.”
Airwaves Ducati return to
the track for round 5 at Snetterton on 15th June 2008.
Race 1
Result
1) Shane Byrne – Airwaves Ducati
2) Leon Haslam – HM Plant
Honda
3) Tom Sykes – Rizla Suzuki
4) James Ellison – Hydrex Bike Animal
Honda
5) Leon Camier – Airwaves Ducati
Race 2 Result
1) Shane
Byrne – Airwaves Ducati
2) Leon Haslam – HM Plant Honda
3) Cal Crutchlow –
HM Plant Honda
4) Leon Camier – Airwaves Ducati
5) James Ellison – Hydrex
Bike Animal Honda
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