Motorcycle Blog

2008 Bennetts British Superbike Championship
Rounds 15 & 16 - Knockhill, Fife
9th/10th August 2008

Following on from his second place finish at the last round at Oulton Park, Hydrex Bike Animal Honda rider James Ellison was once again on great form as he secured another podium finish in changeable conditions in round eight of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Knockhill in Scotland today.

With bright blue skies coupled with the odd heavy downpour, it was always a problem for the riders but in the opening race, held in dry conditions, the 27 year old from Kendal diced with the leading bunch through the race eventually passing Michael Rutter in the latter stages to claim third position and with it his third podium of the season.

James couldn’t quite repeat the feat in race two which was stopped on a couple of occasions due to inclement weather and latterly due to a crash involving championship leader Shane Byrne whereby he had to settle for fifth at the flag.

For team mate Guy Martin, again it was a weekend of mixed emotions whereby the 26 year old from Kirmington suffered a mechanical problem in the opening race but in the first part of the afternoon’s second race he stormed through the field to hold a top ten position before the race was halted and in the re-start he couldn’t quite manage a similar result but had to settle for 14th at the flag.

The net result is that Ellison lies in sixth position in the championship and Guy Martin in eighteenth going into the next round at Cadwell Park on August bank holiday weekend.  Meanwhile Martin will be in action at the Ulster GP this week whereby he hopes to score another victory on the Dundrod circuit.

Kieran Clarke rode well to claim a top ten position in the Metzeler Superstock 1000cc race to add to his points scoring ride on his debut in the Shaun Muir team at Oulton Park and he will be looking to improve at Cadwell Park in the next round aboard the team’s 1000cc Fireblade.

James Ellison:  “I’m well happy with the first race but again we maybe could have done better, but we had the pace and we showed that.  I did the third fastest lap so we finished where we finished but I feel we could have done a bit more but I tried my hardest and that was all I could do.  We ran with an intermediate front and a slick rear which was the right decision but it was a bit difficult off the line with it being wet but once we got into the race we were chipping away.  I could see the riders in front getting closer every lap so if we had more laps I could have maybe got higher up.  The team has done a mega job this weekend especially with me crashing on Friday, they turned the bike around and I enjoyed riding it and I’m happy to come away in one piece with more points and a trophy.”

Guy Martin:  “I was disappointed to break down in the first race again, but I am over the moon with a good finish in the second race where I had to start from the back of the grid because my hose clip went and it was a good job the race got red flagged so I could fix it and get out in the restart.  I’m looking forward to the Ulster GP in a few days time.”

Kieran Clarke:  “It went really well, although it was wet and we’ve not spent any time on the wet Superstock tyres and it’s nowhere near the level of grip as I’m used to.  I feel that had it been dry I should have had a mid top-ten and I think we just need to keep chipping away and now I’m looking forward to Cadwell Park.  The whole team was been fantastic again this weekend.”

Shaun Muir (Team Owner):  “Overall I’m obviously well happy with another podium for James and he now has a chance to get into the top three in the championship.  It was a pity he didn’t get on the podium in the second race when the race was cut short.  Guy rode well to score a good couple of points, and Kieran also had a good solid ride for some points.  Hopefully we can move forwards again at Cadwell Park.”

Superbike Race One Result
1, Tom Sykes (Suzuki) 25m09.296s, 2, Shane Byrne (Ducati) +3.093s, 3, James Ellison (Hydrex Bike Animal Honda) +3.479s, 4, Michael Rutter (Ducati) +5.752s, 5, Leon Camier (Ducati) +9.345s, 6, Michael Laverty (Suzuki) +9.461s, 7, Karl Harris (Yamaha) +19.051s, 8, Simon Andrews (Yamaha) +36.055s, 9, Tristan Palmer (Honda) +39.097s, 10, Gary Mason (Honda) +40.021s.

Superbike Race Two Result
1, Leon Haslam (Honda) 11m58.300s, 2, Michael Rutter (Ducati) +3.214s, 3, Karl Harris (Yamaha) +3.541s, 4, Tom Sykes (Suzuki) 3.680s, 5, James Ellison (Hydrex Bike Animal Honda) +6.591s, 6, Simon Andrews (Yamaha) +15.876s, 7, Cal Crutchlow (Honda) +16.539s, 8, Leon Camier (Ducati) +18.608s, 9, Billy McConnell (Kawasaki) +23.428s, 10, Chris Burns (MV Agusta) +26.439s. 14, Guy Martin (Hydrex Bike Animal Honda) +1lap.

2008 Bennetts British Superbike Championship Standings after Round 8
1. Shane Byrne (Ducati) 332pts
2. Cal Crutchlow (Honda) 222pts
3. Tom Sykes (Suzuki) 214pts
4. Leon Haslam (Honda) 199pts
5. Leon Camier (Ducati) 179pts
6. James Ellison (Hydrex Bike Animal Honda) 177pts
7. Michael Rutter (Ducati) 174pts
8. Michael Laverty (Suzuki) 110pts
9. Simon Andrews (Yamaha) 108pts
10. Tristan Palmer (Honda) 75pts
18. Guy Martin (Hydrex Bike Animal Honda) 21pts

Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Result
1, Steve Brogan (Honda) 22m29.483s, 2, John Kirkham (Yamaha) +4.486s, 3, Daniel Hegarty (Yamaha) +6.322s, 4, Kenny Gilbertson (Kawasaki) +8.351s, 5, Jimmy Storrar (Suzuki) +8.737s, 6, Sam Warren (Yamaha) +9.751s, 7, Marshall Neill (Suzuki) +13.308s, 8, Cameron Donald (Suzuki) +13.831s, 9, Alastair Seeley (Yamaha) +36.080s, 10, Kieran Clarke (Hydrex Bike Animal Honda) +38.133s.

Photograph attached courtesy of Turn One Photography.

Round 2 - 18th/20th April - Thruxton, Hants
Round 3 - 3rd/5th May - Oulton Park, Cheshire
Round 1 - 10th/11th May - Brands Hatch GP, Kent
Round 4 - 24th/26th May - Donington Park, Leics
Round 5 - 13th/15th June - Snetterton, Norfolk
Round 6 - 27th/29th June - Mallory Park
Round 7 - 18th/20th July - Oulton Park, Cheshire
Round 8 - 8th/10th August - Knockhill, Fife
Round 9 - 23rd/25th August - Cadwell Park, Lincs
Round 10 - 12th/14th September - Croft, North Yorkshire
Round 11 - 26th/28th September, Silverstone, Northants
Round 12 - 10th/12th October - Brands Hatch Indy, Kent

2008 Bennetts British Superbike Championship
Rounds 15 & 16 - Knockhill, Fife
9th/10th August

Hydrex Bike Animal Honda rider James Ellison will start round eight of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship from row two of the grid having posted eighth fastest time in today’s Swan Combi 50 Roll for Pole qualifying session at a decidedly damp Knockhill race circuit in Scotland.

After a big crash yesterday in practice, Ellison bounced back in the wet conditions with a time of 53.587 seconds on his first visit to Knockhill in four years and will be hoping to add to his points tally following on his podium finish at Oulton Park last time out.

Team mate Guy Martin will start tomorrow’s two 30-lap races from row four of the grid having qualified in 15th on the second of the Shaun Muir Racing Honda 1000cc Fireblades.

Also making a fourth row start will be the team’s Metzeler 1000cc Superstock rider Kieran Clarke who, on his second race for the team, qualified in 13th place.

James Ellison:  “I’m a bit frustrated with the weather conditions, I had a problem with my visor misting up.  Just towards the end of the session we were getting into the 53’s (seconds) and I just couldn’t see so I came in and changed the visor but it was just the same.  We’ve made so many changes on the bike and it’s much better and I’m really comfortable but I just couldn’t see!  I think I could have been on the front row if it wasn’t for that problem.  Also, I spent so little time on the track yesterday with me crashing.  Although we’re going well in the wet I’m hoping for it to be dry tomorrow so we can work on the number one bike with the traction control.”

Guy Martin:  “We’re getting there. I’m happy with the boys and they’ve done us proud.  I’ve got the Ulster GP on my mind but its given me confidence that the boys have done what I’ve asked and we’ve no problems at all and it puts us in a good frame of mind for tomorrow.  I’m hoping for a good couple of points scoring rides and I’ll be over the moon.”

Kieran Clarke:  “We’re just chipping away and we just want to do everything in stages and not take massive jumps forwards.  We have to build up and as long as we’re higher every weekend and improving then it’s a good build up for next year.  I need to get better every session and it’s never easy when everyone else is on the pace, but it’s not an excuse as I should be on the podium so we just have to keep chipping away.  The team has been working fantastically and I’m hoping for a mid to top ten place tomorrow at least.”

Shaun Muir (Team Owner):  “Guy has worked really hard and I’m happy he’s on the fourth row and there’s no reason why he can’t get a top twelve tomorrow.  He’s had no problems, the bike is running like a dream and he’s completely focused on the job this weekend.  James rode really well, obviously struggling after the big crash on Friday so I’m really happy with a second row start, although it could have been the front row if his visor hadn’t misted.  James should be up there in contention for podiums tomorrow.  Also, Kieran has a fourth row start so I’m happy with that and he’s certainly moved up quite a number of places and he could have a chance to score good points whether its wet or dry.  So, all in all I’m pretty happy with all three riders.”

The first of the two 30-lap Bennetts British Superbike races gets underway at 1.00pm on Sunday with the second at 3.30pm.  The Metzeler Superstock 1000 race is scheduled for 12.10pm.  The British Eurosport 2 live broadcast window is 12.30pm to 4.30pm.

Qualifying
1, Leon Haslam (Honda) 52.692s, 2, Michael Rutter (Ducati) 52.966s, 3, Shane Byrne (Ducati) 52.974s, 4, Michael Laverty (Suzuki) 53.003s, 5, Cal Crutchlow (Honda) 53.177s, 6, Leon Camier (Ducati) 53.268s, 7, Tom Sykes (Suzuki) 53.295s, 8, James Ellison (Hydrex Bike Animal Honda) 53.587s, 9, Karl Harris (Yamaha) 53.768s, 10, Tristan Palmer (Honda) 53.876s. 15, Guy Martin (Hydrex Bike Animal Honda) 54.734s.

Round 2 - 18th/20th April - Thruxton, Hants
Round 3 - 3rd/5th May - Oulton Park, Cheshire
Round 1 - 10th/11th May - Brands Hatch GP, Kent
Round 4 - 24th/26th May - Donington Park, Leics
Round 5 - 13th/15th June - Snetterton, Norfolk
Round 6 - 27th/29th June - Mallory Park
Round 7 - 18th/20th July - Oulton Park, Cheshire
Round 8 - 8th/10th August - Knockhill, Fife
Round 9 - 23rd/25th August - Cadwell Park, Lincs
Round 10 - 12th/14th September - Croft, North Yorkshire
Round 11 - 26th/28th September, Silverstone, Northants
Round 12 - 10th/12th October - Brands Hatch Indy, Kent

Looking to capitalise on a fantastic performance at the previous round at Oulton is Hydrex Bike Animal Honda ace James Ellison, who secured his second podium placing of the season last time out and is hoping to continue his good form in Scotland.

27 year old Ellison, from Kendal in Cumbria, has not visited the 1.3 mile hillside track which overlooks the Firth of Forth for four years but with recent developments aboard the Shaun Muir Racing Honda Fireblade, he is expected to again be running at the front from the word go.

“I’m looking forward to it like I am all the races now” said James. “I don’t think the track has changed much since the last time I was there and it shouldn’t be too hard to get a good base setting. The team is working hard and we are all moving forward, all we need now is that elusive win after a couple of second places. The bike is good and I’m feeling confident so I’m revved up for this weekend!”

Ellison’s feel-good factor was increased further with the news that he will take to the grid for round eleven of the World Superbike Championship as a wildcard entry at the Donington Park round over the weekend of September 5/6/7th.

The former MotoGP racer will renew his rivalry with the likes of ex GP aces Max Biaggi, Carlos Checa and Makoto Tamada and after watching the recent action at Brands Hatch, he is confident of a good result.

“When the news came through that I was going to be riding in WSB at Donington, I was ecstatic!” enthused Ellison. ”Everyone saw how competitive Tom Sykes was at Brands and he and I have had many good dices this year in BSB so hopefully that bodes well for us to get a good result.”

Meanwhile team mate Guy Martin is hoping to turn his poor short-circuit form around and also to gain some much needed luck on the roads this month also.

The affable 26 year old from Kirmington in Lincolnshire has not scored points in the last three BSB meetings due to various problems but is looking to get some more on the board at Knockhill before he departs immediately after for the Ulster Grand Prix meeting.

At the Ulster GP in 2006, he won an amazing five races out of six and last year, despite the inclement weather, he took a victory and a second place to make him ‘Man of the Meeting’ again so if there’s ever a meeting he needs to be going to, then it surely has to be the Dundrod track near Belfast.

“We’ll see what we can do at Knockhill and if the bike’s good, then there’s no reason we can’t get a good result. But the main focus for me over the next couple of weeks has got to be the Ulster GP as after the problems we had at the North West, TT and Southern 100, I need a result.  I love the Ulster Grand Prix course, it’s as good if not better than the Isle of Man TT and it’s far better than the North West 200 course. He who laughs last laughs longest and that’s what I’m hoping for now!”

Also racing will be the team’s Superstock rider Kieran Clarke who will be in action for a second time on the 1000cc Honda Fireblade whereby he will be looking to add to the points he scored on his debut at Oulton Park three weeks ago.

Meanwhile, the Hydrex Bike Animal Honda Team will be taking part in the Superbikes in the Square promotion which takes place in Glasgow on Wednesday evening (6th August), prior to the British Superbike Championship teams heading on to Knockhill. 

2008 HANNspree World Superbike Championship
Rounds 19 & 20 - Brands Hatch, Kent, UK
Sunday 3rd August 2008

Vent Axia VK Honda riders Greg Lavilla and Chris Walker were in points scoring form when round ten of the HANNspree World Superbike Championship took place at Brands Hatch this weekend.

Spaniard Lavilla recorded thirteenth and fourteenth positions in the two races with new signing Chris Walker claiming fifteenth place in both 25-lap races on his return to World Superbike action.

In a weekend blighted by rain showers, Lavilla very nearly upset the form book when he set fastest time in the early stages of Saturday’s Superpole which he held for most of the session but as the track dried a number of riders ended up going faster and he ended up in thirteenth.

Sadly Walker missed the Superpole session after only managing 23rd place as he fought to get to terms with the 1000cc Honda Fireblade after spending most of the year racing in World Supersport.

In the two races both riders battled hard in the lower leaderboard positions to eventually score points which Lavilla added to his tally to end up in fourteenth in the Championship with Walker glad to open his account after a tough weekend.

Gregorio Lavilla:
“We made some good improvements to the bike in the second race and we put in some good lap times.  We were consistent once again and within the points but I wasn’t able to improve much on my qualifying position during the race so we have to keep working hard on set-up and move up to the next level which I hope we can achieve at Donington.  Brands is a track which I have beaten Kiyo on before in the BSB so I it was really great to see him win the double here and I want to congratulate him.”
 
Chris Walker:
“Every time I went out on the bike I learnt more and more and it’s great to be back on a Superbike.  The bike felt brilliant and I was happy with the race set-up in the end.  My fitness level is good but I need to get into the gym to work on my arm strength as I had to lose weight to ride the Supersport.  I was desperate to get into the points this weekend so overall I’m pretty happy with my performance.  The boys have done me proud and I’m chuffed to be part of the team.  They’ve all made me feel really welcome and I can’t wait to get to Donington.”
 
Paul Bird:
“Overall the team and I were expecting better results at our home round and I’m feeling disappointed.  However it was good to see Greg doing better in qualifying and it was unfortunate for us that we didn’t get a better grid position after putting in some good laps during the wet practice and also during the Superpole wet session. Chris had a good weekend and did what we expected him to do.   We threw him in the deep end and he did a professional job.  I’m pleased with his performance and we’re really happy to have him in the team.  All we can do now is look forward to Donington, another strong track for us, and hope that we get some better results which I know we are capable of.”

The next round of the Championship takes place on 6th/7th September at Donington Park in Derbyshire.

Superbike Race One Result
1, R Kiyonari (Honda) 36m18.607s, 2, T Bayliss (Ducati) +0.137s, 3, M Biaggi (Ducati) +0.180s, 4, Y Kagayama (Suzuki) +5.733s, 5, F Nieto (Suzuki) +6.499s, 6, C Checa (Honda) +6.984s, 7, M Neukirchner (Suzuki) +8.300s, 8, T Corser (Yamaha) +10.732s, 9, J Smrz (Ducati) +16.547s, 10, R Rolfo (Honda) +16.569s. 14, G Lavilla (Vent Axia VK Honda) +26.856s, 15, C Walker (Vent Axia VK Honda) +32.877s.

Superbike Race Two Result
1, R Kiyonari (Honda) 36m14.904s, 2, N Haga (Yamaha) +1.848s, 3, T Corser (Yamaha) +8.883s, 4, M Neukirchner (Suzuki) +11.180s, 5, F Nieto (Suzuki) +12.928s, 6, M Fabrizio (Ducati) +13.696s, 7, T Sykes (Suzuki) +13.872s, 8, C Checa (Honda) +14.009s, 9, J Smrz (Ducati) +19.065s, 10, L Lanzi (Ducati) +19.864s. 13, G Lavilla (Vent Axia VK Honda) +20.722s. 15, C Walker (Vent Axia VK Honda) +32.090s.

Championship Standings after Round 10
1, T Bayliss (AUS) 334pts
2, M Neukirchner (GER) 252pts
3, T Corser (AUS) 242pts
4, C Checa (ESP) 233pts
5, N Haga (JPN) 230pts
6, F Nieto (ESP) 183pts
7, M Biaggi (ITA) 166pts
8, R Kiyonari (JPN) 165pts
9, M Fabrizio (ITA) 161pts
10, R Xaus (ESP) 148pts
14, G Lavilla (ESP) 83pts
28, C Walker (GBR) 2pts

James Toseland - profile and career history (supplied by team)

 

Profile

At just 23 years old, James Toseland became the youngest ever SBK World Champion in 2004. Now 27, and having celebrated his birthday on the Friday of first practice in France, the Doncaster-born rider has more racing experience under his leathers than some of the series’ other veterans. Early competition in trials and motocross awarded him an impressive haul of trophies and ultimately laid the foundations of a promising career in road racing.

Toseland quickly worked his way up through the ranks of 125cc racing and into British Supersport and shone in the European Championship. However, it was in 1998 at the tender age of 16 that he was given his big break - a ride with Castrol Honda in the World Supersport series.

Never one to turn down a challenge, over the next two seasons Toseland finished 18th and 11th overall before returning to Britainto ride in the 2000 British Superbike Championship.

Despite missing almost half the season through injury, the Yorkshireman finished 12th and was quickly snapped-up by GSE Racing for its World Superbike campaign. An impressive 13th place in the 2001 series, including sixth at Brands Hatch, was enough to confirm the rider as a clear World Superbike contender.

Since then, Toseland has emerged as a world-class rider. In only his second year in the World Superbike series in 2002, he made his name as a regular top-six finisher and scored his first-ever podium finish at Assen. In 2003, he ended fellow Brit Hodgson’s winning streak with an impressive victory at Oschersleben and earned his first pole position in the final round at Magny-Cours.

An extraordinary 2004 season followed, with Toseland making the history books as the youngest-ever World Superbike Champion. Despite a relatively tough 2005 season with the British-based team - when he finished fourth overall - Toseland bounced back in 2006 to take second position overall with Winston Ten Kate Honda.

2007 is his seventh consecutive year as a permanent fixture on the Superbike grid - this time with Hannspree Ten Kate Honda. He has led the championship since round one at Qatarincluding 8 race wins until the eve of Magny-Cours.

 

Career history

Year           Class/result

2006           World Superbike Championship - 2nd

2005           World Superbike Championship - 4th

2004           World Superbike Champion

2003           World Superbike Championship - 3rd

2002           World Superbike Championship - 7th

2001           World Superbike Championship - 13th

2000           British Superbike Championship - 12th

1999           World Supersport Championship - 11th

1998           World Supersport Championship - 18th

1997           British Supersport Championship - 3rd British Honda CB500 Cup Champion

1996           Superteen Championship - 11th

1995            Junior RoadRace Champion

1994           125cc Road Racing

1992            Inter100cc Youth Series Best Newcomer

1989-1993   Trials

 

 

SUPERSPORT RESULTS

 

Race(Laps 22 = 97,042 Km)

Pos /Rider /Nat. /Team / Time /Gap

1 / K. SOFUOGLU / TUR / Hannspree Ten Kate Honda / 37′55.892

2 / B. PARKES / AUS / Yamaha World SSP Racing / 37′58.686 / 2.794

3 / C. JONES / GBR / Revè Ekerold Honda Racing / 38′07.027 / 11.135

4 / G.VIZZIELLO / ITA / RG Team / 38′07.443 / 11.551

5 / T. HILL / GBR / Yamaha World SSP Racing / 38′08.251 / 12.359

6 / D. CHECA / ESP / Yamaha - GMT 94 / 38′12.365 / 16.473

7 / J. BROOKES / AUS / Stiggy Motorsport Honda / 38′13.753 / 17.861

8 / K. FUJIWARA / JPN / Althea Honda Team / 38′17.911 / 22.019

9 / G.LEBLANC / FRA / Vazy Racing Team / 38′18.432 / 22.540

10 / M.ROCCOLI / ITA / Yamaha Lorenzini by Leoni / 38′18.532 / 22.640

11 / S. GIMBERT / FRA / Yamaha - GMT 94 / 38′19.426 / 23.534

12 / A. TODE / GER / Stiggy Motorsport Honda / 38′25.372 / 29.480

13 / S. SANNA / ITA / Racing Team Parkalgar / 38′35.990 / 40.098

14 / K. FORAY / FRA / Intermoto Czech / 38′36.175 / 40.283

15 / D. PERRET / FRA / Scratch Moto Racing Team / 38′38.774 / 42.882

Fastest Lap 4° Kenan Sofuoglu 1′42.740 154,561 Km/h

Lap record: 2006 K.Sofuoglu 1′43.429 153,530 Km/h

Best Lap: 2007 K.Sofuoglu 1′42.057 155,600 Km/h

 

Final Riders Championship Standings

1 SOFUOGLU 276

2 PARKES 133

3 FORET 128

4 FUJIWARA 101

5 JONES 94

6 ROCCOLI 90

7 HARMS 83

8 VENEMAN 70

9 WEST 66

10 VIZZIELLO 60

11 CHARPENTIER 51

12 CHECA 50

13 NANNELLI 49

14 LAGRIVE 46

15 ALFONSI 45.

 

Manufacturers Standings

1 / HONDA / 296

2 / YAMAHA / 228

3 / KAWASAKI/ 141

4 / SUZUKI / 81

5 / DUCATI / 49

 

 

SUPERBIKE RESULTS

 

Race 1(Laps 23 = 101,453 Km)

Pos / Rider / Nat. / Team / Time / Gap

1 / N.HAGA / JPN / Yamaha Motor Italia / 38′33.762 /

2 / T. BAYLISS / AUS / Ducati Xerox Team / 38′36.532 / 2.770

3 / T. CORSER / AUS / Yamaha Motor Italia / 38′37.497 / 3.735

4 / M.NEUKIRCHNER / GER / Suzuki Germany / 38′42.332 / 8.570

5 / F. NIETO / ESP / Kawasaki PSG-1 Corse / 38′46.687 / 12.925

6 / M.BIAGGI / ITA / Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra / 38′47.045 / 13.283

7 / J. TOSELAND / GBR / Hannspree Ten Kate Honda / 38′50.157 / 16.395

8 / R. XAUS / ESP / Team Sterilgarda / 38′56.343 / 22.581

9 / R. LACONI / FRA / Kawasaki PSG-1 Corse / 38′56.590 / 22.828

10 / R. ROLFO / ITA / Hannspree Ten Kate Honda / 39′06.491 / 32.729

11 / S. NAKATOMI / JPN / Yamaha YZF / 39′12.067 / 38.305

12 / K. MUGGERIDGE / AUS / Alto Evolution Honda / 39′27.447 / 53.685

13 / Y. TIBERIO / FRA / Alto Evolution Honda / 39′27.561 / 53.799

14 / M.FABRIZIO / ITA / D.F.X. Corse / 39′27.677 / 53.915

15 / G.DIETRICH / FRA / Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra / 39′30.236 / 56.474

Fastest Lap 4° Max Neukirchner 1′39.844 159,044 Km/h

 

Race 2(Laps 23 = 101,453 Km)

Pos / Rider / Nat. / Team / Time / Gap

1 / N.HAGA / JPN / Yamaha Motor Italia / 38′35.353 /

2 / M.BIAGGI / ITA / Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra / 38′38.871 / 3.518

3 / F. NIETO / ESP / Kawasaki PSG-1 Corse / 38′44.495 / 9.142

4 / T. CORSER / AUS / Yamaha Motor Italia / 38′44.610 / 9.257

5 / T. BAYLISS / AUS / Ducati Xerox Team / 38′48.178 / 12.825

6 / J. TOSELAND / GBR / Hannspree Ten Kate Honda / 38′54.669 / 19.316

7 / R. ROLFO / ITA / Hannspree Ten Kate Honda / 38′56.347 / 20.994

8 / R. LACONI / FRA / Kawasaki PSG-1 Corse / 38′57.805 / 22.452

9 / M.FABRIZIO / ITA / D.F.X. Corse / 38′57.858 / 22.505

10 / R. XAUS / ESP / Team Sterilgarda / 39′03.705 / 28.352

11 / K. MUGGERIDGE / AUS / Alto Evolution Honda / 39′19.686 / 44.333

12 / Y. TIBERIO / FRA / Alto Evolution Honda / 39′23.430 / 48.077

13 / G.DIETRICH / FRA / Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra / 39′58.660 / 1′23.307

14 / L. MORELLI / ITA / D.F.X. Corse / 39′59.179 / 1′23.826

15 / D. ELLISON / GBR / Team Pedercini / 40′12.984 / 1′37.631

Fastest Lap 3° Max Biaggi 1′40.040 158,733 Km/h

Lap record: 2007 M. Neukirchner 1′39.844 159,040 Km/h

Best Lap: 2007 J.Toseland 1′38.501 161,210 Km/h

 

Final Riders Championship Standings

1 TOSELAND 415

2 HAGA 413

3 BIAGGI 397

4 BAYLISS 372

5 CORSER 296

6 XAUS 201

7 LANZI 192

8 ROLFO 192

9 NEUKIRCHNER 149

10 LACONI 137

11 FABRIZIO 132

12 NIETO 125

13 KAGAYAMA 116

14 SMRZ 66

15 NAKATOMI 66.

 

Manufacturers Standings

1 / YAMAHA / 467

2 / HONDA / 439

3 / DUCATI / 439

4 / SUZUKI / 419

5 / KAWASAKI / 192

6 / MV AGUSTA / 1

Honda’s biggest player on the scooter scene, the luxurious Silver Wing glides majestically over country roads, city streets and motorways with equal ease, giving you a riding experience of such seamless control and comfort that it’s hard to believe you’re on a scooter. Sleek, aerodynamic styling complements spacious riding accommodations to provides you with exceptional wind protection and all-day riding comfort. The Silver Wing is also impressive for performance that more than matches its big proportions and carrying capacity. With both Combined Brake and Combined-ABS versions, the Silver Wing easily adds up to one of the most satisfying riding experiences on two wheels. More than just a scooter, the Silver Wing offers a whole new way to rediscover the joys of the road.

- Aerodynamic, full-bodied scooter design provides exceptional wind protection and riding comfort around town or at higher speeds.
- Powerful liquid-cooled fuel-injected DOHC parallel-twin engine pumps out breathtaking surges of acceleration with the easy twist of its throttle.
- Carrying compartment located under the Silver Wing’s deeply stepped tandem seat holds more than you ever thought possible on a scooter.
- Combined disc brakes provide a smooth balance of performance for easy, controlled braking operation.
- Deluxe ABS version offers the smoothly confident braking control of Honda’s advanced Antilock Brake System.

Colours
- Digital Silver Metallic - Delta Blue Metallic - Pure Black

Bike Gear|Type|T-Shirts|Sale|Mens|Team|Nicky Hayden
Nicky Hayden Bike Gear Helmet T Shirt. Football style T Shirt with graphic of Nicky Hayden on his Repsol Honda.

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The DREAM Honda Racing Team duo of Ryuichi Kiyonari and Carlos Checa took victory at the weekend’s Suzuka 8-Hour race on the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade, sporting a new stunning and distinctive HRC tri-colour paint scheme.

The prestigious endurance event, which is held annually as part of the World Endurance Championship, is one of the highlights of the Japanese road-racing calendar and is vitally important for each of the domestic Japanese motorcycle manufacturers.

The DREAM Honda Racing Team CBR1000RR Fireblade was the victorious machine after eight gruelling hours around the legendary 3.6-mile Suzuka race circuit. Riders Kiyo and Checa eventually took the win by a whole lap.

It was no easy victory though, as a pit-lane speeding penalty, heavy rain and a last-hour brake problem all meant that the dominant World Superbike stars had to push hard to take the win – all the more sweet as both riders had come perilously close to winning in previous years.

Former double British Superbike champion Kiyonari said: “I was really nervous during the last hour watching Carlos riding. The front brake problem was already there during my last stint. I was scared to watch sparks fly when Carlos braked! The bike performed excellently and also looked fantastic in the new HRC paint scheme and I’m so happy that we won.”

Carlos added: “Usually, when you have a big margin like today, you can relax more, but I had no front brake during my last stint so I was really nervous. I’m so happy to have won.”

And, while the Fireblade of Checa and Kiyo took the win, the British stars of World Supersport and British Superbikes also did well. HM Plant Honda’s Cal Crutchlow took sixth place overall with his Moriwaki team-mate Tatsuya Yamaguchi while Leon Haslam took ninth overall with his team-mate Chojun Kameya.

Cal said: “I’m pretty happy with sixth to be honest, although as a racer you want to win every race. I thoroughly enjoyed my first Suzuka 8-Hour race and would love to come back and win it.” 

Leon said: “We were almost there to challenge for the podium until the middle of the race, but unfortunately Kameya-san crashed. He rode very hard to make it up and that was the main reason we could finish 9th. This was my first Suzuka 8-Hour race and it was a great experience. If I have the chance again, I would love to do it next year.” 

Meanwhile, World Supersport star Jonathan Rea crashed out after 134 laps while in a podium position. “I crashed just before I was coming into the pit,” he said. “I was pushing hard at the spoon curve and suddenly the front wheel tucked. I am very disappointed for the team and myself. We were third and I wanted to get on the podium desperately.”

All riders will now return home and prepare for the next rounds in their respective championships. For World Superbike and World Supersport stars Kiyo, Checa and Rea that will be this coming weekend at Brands Hatch, while Crutchlow and Haslam will return to British Superbike action at Knockhill a week later on 8-10 August.

For more information about the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade call 0845 200 800, visit www.honda.co.uk or visit your local dealer. Honda motorcycle dealers can be located using the ‘Dealer Search’ facility within the motorcycles area on www.honda.co.uk, where you can also find all the latest news and information about the full Honda motorcycle range, offers, genuine parts and accessories and forthcoming events.

Honda has specially designed its new Honda Access Europe website (www.honda-access.com) to take the user’s online browsing experience to a new level. As of today, 28 July 2008, it is possible to browse through Honda’s European showroom any time of the day or night, without having to leave home. 

In recent years, there has been a revolution in the way people purchase products. When they want to accessorise their car or motorcycle, they first look up information on the Internet before going into a shop. That is one of the reasons why the new HACE website will now function as a virtual showroom, offering visitors an exciting way to access all product information, news and corporate information. 

Browsing through the website works just as if you were walking through your local Honda showroom. Employing advanced 3D animations and Flash technology, the new website is both visually dynamic and fun to use. At the top of the screen, the Flash banner navigation allows visitors to move around the showroom, and simply click on whatever catches their interest. While users are browsing through the showroom, the bottom half of the screen displays all relevant information and options.

Being managed and maintained centrally, the new website will always contain consistent and up-to-date information. All e-brochures and multimedia tools, such as the car and motorcycle configurators, will be linked to the website, so they can be accessed directly from the product pages. This means the new website will truly be the hub for anything concerning Honda Access Europe.

Visit the new Honda Access Europe website at www.honda-access.com

The Honda CBR600RR motorcycles winning looks and winning attitude add up to dominating performance on the circuit and non-stop thrills on the street. Since its debut, the exciting second-generation CBR600RR has been turning heads and winning acclaim wherever it sets tyres to tarmac. Breathtaking power roars forth from the lightest and most compact 600cc engine in its class.

Chassis, suspension and brake components are top of its class, and stamped with the genetic imprint of its regal MotoGP racing lineage. Styling is shark-like sleek and aggressive, with compact proportions and light handling that encourage you to push your limits. From first sight to last sprint to the chequered flag, the CBR600RR instantly quickens the pulse to let every rider feel that, in no uncertain terms, they too can be The Fastest on the Track… and the Fastest Everywhere.

- Dual Sequential fuel-injected DOHC inline four cylinder engine delivers a thrilling rush of sharply responsive acceleration that wins races.
- HECS3 oxygen-sensing catalytic exhaust gas converter system minimises emissions of harmful exhaust gases to ensure full compliance with strict EURO-3 emissions regulations.
- Lightweight and slim Fine-Die-Cast aluminium frame positions both engine and rider for optimal mass centralisation and sharper, more responsive handling.
- Fully adjustable inverted front fork and Unit-Pro-Link rear damper combine to help you late-brake into the corners and smooth your line around them.
- Advanced Honda Electronic Steering Damper provides smoothly confident control in the fastest and tightest of corners.
- Radial-mount four-piston calliper front disc brakes with large-diameter 310mm rotors.
- New Pearl Sunbeam White colour variation.