FULL HOUSE FOR DUCATI
03 October 2006 - Ducati Marlboro Team

In an action packed and rain interrupted day, the 2006 Bennetts British Superbike Championship came to a dramatic climax at Brands Hatch. Leon Haslam finished the championship in 2nd place with Gregorio Lavilla third.

A consistent season resulted in Ducati winning the manufacturers title.

After rain forced a re-start, race one was run over 17 laps. Shane Byrne led from the start with Leon moving into 2nd and Kiyo 3rd. However an early incident with Harris damaged Greg’s brake lever causing him to fall at Hawthorn Bend. Having overtaken Byrne, Leon and Kiyo were switching the top two places between them, then Byrne crashed on lap13 resulting in a red flag. As over ¾ of the race had been completed the race was then declared with Kiyo in 1st and Leon 2nd.

After more rain, race 2 began with Leon and Kiyo moving to the front. Greg’s bad luck continued as he pulled out of the race on lap 2 due to a technical problem. Leon took the lead on lap 5 knowing that he had to be two places ahead of Kiyo to win the title. Another crash on lap 14 resulted in the red flag with Leon in 1st place and again the race was declared. Leon’s win meant a second place in the championship for him, the Airwaves Ducati team and a championship third for Lavilla.

After a disappointing day Gregorio Lavilla said, “It has not been a nice day for me. In the first race I had some contact with Harris which took out my front brake lever. There was nothing I could do, it was a fast crash and I was in pain for the second race. I then wanted to go out and do my best for the team but unfortunately I had some engine problems. I am gutted, GSE are an unbelievable team with great sponsors in Airwaves and I really want to thank everybody.”

Championship runner up Leon Haslam said, “Obviously I am disappointed with the first race and the red flag but I did what I had to do in the second race and won. I am disappointed for the team because they have been awesome this year.”

Team Manager Colin Wright added, “It has been a great year for the team. Today was not the result we wanted but I am proud of the Airwaves Ducati team. This year we have achieved 11 wins, five 1-2 finishes, 38 podiums, 9 pole positions and hold 6 lap records. Our thanks must go to Darrell Healey and the GSE Group for all their support and our fantastic sponsors Wrigley’s Airwaves, Q8Oils, Dunlop and all the supporting partners who make us such a great team.”

www.ducati.com

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