AIRWAVES DUCATI’S LAVILLA SURGES INTO CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD AT DONINGTON PARK
25 September 2005 - GSE Racing

Airwaves Ducati rider Gregorio Lavilla stormed into the Championship lead with a sensational double race victory at the penultimate round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Donington.

The Spaniard thwarted the challenge from Kiyonari to take his first double header of the season at the 2.5-mile Leicestershire circuit and now goes into the final round in two weeks time with a 13 point lead in the Championship. Gregorio’s teammate Leon Haslam, played a full part in the team’s success and provided excellent support for the Spaniard. Leon claimed a podium finish in race one and followed Gregorio home for the team’s fourth one-two of the season in the second 20-lapper on a fantastic day for the Airwaves Ducati team.

Gregorio led for most of race one, having passed his teammate at the end of the first lap as the fast starting Airwaves Ducati pairing took first and second away from the line. The Spaniard stretched away from Kiyonari and gained a two second advantage. On lap 16 Gregorio smashed the lap record with a time of 1.31.718s and combined with a mistake from the Japanese rider, he was able to ride out to the chequered flag. Leon battled to keep in touch with the top two riders and was able to claim a well deserved podium.

In the second race, Gregorio entered the first corner in fifth and Leon in third before the pair made good progress in the early stages. Gregorio passed Richards before both Airwaves Ducati riders edged out Rutter and Kiyonari in quick succession. Gregorio stormed ahead with Leon chasing him to the chequered flag as the duo halted any chance of a challenge from both Hondas with some tough racing on a drying track, surging home for a memorable one-two.

Airwaves Ducati Team Manager, Colin Wright, was delighted with the weekend: “We’ve had a fantastic weekend and all has gone brilliantly. I’d like to thank both riders for their efforts today as they truly did the whole team proud. We’re in a great position going into the last round and we’ll be concentrating on finishing the job at Brands Hatch. The results have been a true testament to another excellent display from the whole team this weekend”.

Gregorio was overjoyed with his first BSB race double: “It’s been a good weekend and it’s great to be leading the Championship. I’m feeling much better than last time at Oulton obviously and I’m very happy to take both race wins. In race one, I just tried to be as smooth as possible and stretch out a lead but could never afford to relax until right at the end. Race two was equally tough as the dry line was very narrow and I had to concentrate fully, especially when passing the back markers towards the end. I know Brands well and the performance of the bike is now very good so I’m hopeful for the last round”.

Leon was happy with the results: “It’s great to be a part of these races and to gain the best possible results for the team. Race two was perfect for us and I was really happy with the bike. I was riding very smoothly and it was comfortable until I saw from my pit board that Kiyo was closing. Then I managed to up the pace and pull away which was very pleasing. The more one-twos for the team the better and I’m feeling good going to Brands Hatch for the final round”.

The final round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship takes place at Brands Hatch on the 7th – 9th October.

TWELFTH ROUND – DONINGTON PARK – RACE ONE (20 LAPS)

POS NAME ENTRY TIME

1 Gregorio LAVILLA Airwaves Ducati 30:49.746

2 Ryuichi KIYONARI Honda +2.054

3 Leon HASLAM Airwaves Ducati +11.856

4 Glen RICHARDS Kawasaki +14.456

5 John REYNOLDS Suzuki +19.583

6 Michael RUTTER Honda +28.931

7 Scott SMART Kawasaki +38.386

8 Tommy HILL Yamaha +38.831

9 Dean THOMAS Kawasaki +38.921

10 Gary MASON Honda +39.184

TWELFTH ROUND – DONINGTON PARK – RACE TWO (20 LAPS)

POS NAME ENTRY TIME

1 Gregorio LAVILLA Airwaves Ducati 31:26.230

2 Leon HASLAM Airwaves Ducati +4.022

3 Ryuichi KIYONARI Honda +5.970

4 Michael RUTTER Honda +11.612

5 James HAYDON Suzuki +14.758

6 Dean THOMAS Kawasaki +17.401

7 Gary MASON Honda +29.427

8 Scott SMART Kawasaki +29.974

9 Karl HARRIS Honda +51.731

10 Michael LAVERTY Honda +54.798

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (AFTER 12 ROUNDS)

Name Entry Total

Gregorio LAVILLA Airwaves Ducati 416

Ryuichi KIYONARI Honda 403

Michael RUTTER Honda 353

Leon HASLAM Airwaves Ducati 305

Glen RICHARDS Kawasaki 231

Karl HARRIS Honda 195

Dean THOMAS Kawasaki 176

Gary MASON Honda 156

John REYNOLDS Suzuki 139

Michael LAVERTY Honda 119

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