ROOKIES ON THE SECOND AND THIRD ROWS
19 June 2004 - Honda Racing

The Red Bull Rookies Honda pairing of Eugene Laverty and Steven Neate have qualified in sixth and 11th positions respectively for the seventh round of the British 125GP Championship. The lap record-breaking pole position time of 1:34.909 at Brands Hatch was set by Christian Elkin, who currently trails series leader Laverty by 18 points in the Honda-dominated series.

Laverty has been working hard with his crew to obtain a good base setting for the RS125 in what will be his first full appearance at the 2.6-mile Grand Prix circuit. The 18-year-old Ulsterman failed to qualify on the front row of the grid for the first time since the opening round of the championship at Silverstone in March, ending a run of three consecutive pole positions.

Neate qualified on the third row in more familiar surroundings – the Barton-le-Clay rider considers Brands Hatch to be his local circuit. The 16-year-old Red Bull Rookies Honda starlet maintained a consistent pace throughout both qualifying sessions and will be looking to consolidate his top six position in the British 125GP series at the end of tomorrow’s 14-lap race.

Eugene Laverty: “This is only the second time that I’ve competed at Brands Hatch over the GP circuit – and the first didn’t last that long after I was taken out by another rider – so I’ve effectively been learning a new track here this weekend. I arrived in a confident frame of mind and that has helped me to improve my best time at the end of every session over the past two days. Overall, I’m reasonably pleased with my second row starting position and my aim will be to protect my points advantage in the race.”

Steven Neate: “This is the second time that I’ve qualified on the third row here at Brands Hatch this season. To be honest, I was looking for a front row start after coming so close at the last round. However, it wasn’t to be and I’m going to have to battle through the field once again. I’ve managed to get some good starts this year, and if I can do that again, then anything can happen in this class!”

Qualifying times: 1. C. Elkin (Honda) 1:34.909; 2. J. Pearson (Honda) 1:35.174; 3. T. Bridewell (Honda) 1:35.195; 4. A. Beech (Honda) 1:35.405; 5. M. Wilcox (Honda) 1:35.532; 6. E. Laverty (Red Bull Rookies Honda) 1:35.724; 7. J. Dickinson (Honda) 1:35.907; 8. B. Clark (Honda) 1:36.020; 9. T. Grant (Honda) 1:36.051; 10. J. Morris (Honda) 1:36.394; 11. S. Neate (Red Bull Rookies Honda) 1:36.397

www.honda-racing.co.uk

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