LAVERTY PLANS TO REGAIN LEAD
14 July 2004 - Honda Racing

Eugene Laverty is hoping to resume his lead of the British 125GP Championship at Mallory Park. The Toomebridge teenager lost it in round eight at Knockhill when he brought the Red Bull Rookies Honda RS125 across the line in seventh position.

The 18-year-old rider has had a strong season so far, but with five of the 13 rounds remaining, he is trailing Christian Elkin by 12 points. Laverty is seeking a fourth victory of the series at the Leicestershire circuit to put him back in contention for the title and rebuild his confidence ahead of his MotoGP wild card entry at Donington Park on 23-25 July.

Steven Neate is desperate to finish a race at round nine after failing to complete his fourth consecutive race at Knockhill. The 17-year-old from Barton-le-Clay has suffered an unfortunate run of luck since he achieved his first podium-place finish at Oulton Park in May.

He has dropped from fourth in the overall placings to ninth after crashing out at Mondello Park, Brands Hatch and Knockhill and a technical problem meant that he was unable to start the race at Thruxton. Neate is hoping for better luck at Mallory Park.

Eugene Laverty (2nd / 126 points): “I definitely have to aim for the top step of the podium at Mallory because my last two races have been disappointing. I need to gain as many points as possible to be able to challenge the championship leader and rebuild my confidence ahead of the GP at Donington. I had a test day at Mallory’s new circuit last year and preferred it to the old track, so I’m just hoping for some better weather this weekend.”

Steven Neate (9th / 49 points): “The last four rounds have been quite tough for me for various reasons but I know that I have to just put that behind me and concentrate on the rest of the season. My aim now is just to finish the remaining races and collect as many points as possible.”

www.honda-racing.co.uk

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