AIRWAVES DUCATI ONE TWO ON THE GRID
25 March 2006 - Airwaves Ducati

ROUND ONE OF THE BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP

The new qualifying format meant the Airwaves Ducati riders returned to the track for a third free practice session this morning to be followed by a single qualifying session in the afternoon.

In free practice both riders juggled the top spot between them, consistently riding low 46 second laps. The session ended with Haslam first 46.035 and Lavilla second with a best lap of 46.094.

The afternoon weather held for a fully dry 50 minute qualifying session. Leon Haslam took the early lead in the session but proceedings were halted by a red flag. When qualifying resumed the Airwaves Ducati riders soon took hold of the first and second spots again. For much of the session Lavilla and Haslam switched places. Qualifying ended with 2005 BSB Champion Gregorio Lavilla securing pole position with a best lap time of 45.533 and Leon Haslam in second with a time of 45.581.

Gregorio Lavilla commented after qualifying, “Everything went well, I got a good run on my race tyres which felt good and I was running consistently fast laps. I feel race ready now but obviously we have the concern of rain tomorrow which maybe a problem as we have not completed any wet testing. But we did our job and it proves that as a team we have worked well over the winter to come out and get a one-two on the grid for the first race.”

Haslam said “I didn’t get an ideal start to qualifying as there was a crash right in front of me early on but once we re-started I was feeling really good on the bike. I got some fast laps in and Greg and I were quickest for much of the session. I’m on the front row of the grid and I am happy with that.”

Colin Wright was quick to praise the Team and said “we are delighted to be in this position after qualifying, the test program went well and we are on form. However, we will now focus our efforts on scoring points tomorrow.”

Free Practice
1) Leon Haslam - Airwaves Ducati 46.035
2) Gregorio Lavilla – Airwaves Ducati 46.094
3) Michael Rutter – Stobart Motorsport 46.224
4) Jonathan Rea – Red Bull Honda 46.240
5) Ryuichi Kiyonari – HM Plant Honda 46.246

Qualifying
1) Gregorio Lavilla – Airwaves Ducati 45.533
2) Leon Haslam – Airwaves Ducati 45.581
3) Karl Harris – HM Plant Honda 45.818
4) Dean Thomas – Hawk Kawasaki 45.880
5) Jonathan Rea – Red Bull Honda 45.958

www.airwaves-ducati.co.uk

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