In spite of very difficult circumstances, the World Superbike Championship is in the U.K. for round 6. The Ducati boys are hoping to build momentum after a wildly successful round in Italy in hopes they can bring a sustained assault on the dominant Kawasakis. Before we get to that though, something was missed amidst all the chaos surrounding the news of Nicky's crash. Chaz Davies took a trip to Mugello and was able to have a go on the GP17 during Ducati's One day private test there.
Yes, that is the famous number 7 on that GP17! No details were given as to lap times etc. but apparently Chaz had a blast and enjoyed riding the bike very much. It has been rumored that he might make the jump to the premier class with the Pramac team in a couple of years. I think it would be a great progression for Chaz, and one he has earned for sure. SO we will see. ANd now, onto Donnington. The first 2 practice sessions have gone well, and a pattern has begun to emerge here in the top 10:
1.......1 J. REA GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX-10RR .............................. 1'27.740
2 ......66 T. SYKES GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX-10RR ........................ 1'27.862
3 ..... 91 L. HASLAM GBR Kawasaki Puccetti Racing Kawasaki ZX-10RR ................. 1'28.139
4 ..... 7 C. DAVIES GBR Aruba.it Racing - Ducati Ducati Panigale R .......................... 1'28.166
5 ..... 33 M. MELANDRI ITA Aruba.it Racing - Ducati Ducati Panigale R ..................... 1'28.188
6 ..... 22 A. LOWES GBR Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team Yamaha YZF R1 .... 1'28.374
7 ..... 60 M. VAN DER MARK NED Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team YZF R1 .... 1'28.567
8 ..... 36 L. MERCADO ARG IODARacing Aprilia RSV4 RF ......................................... 1'28.683
9 ..... 40 R. RAMOS ESP Team Kawasaki Go Eleven Kawasaki ZX-10RR .................. 1'28.710
10 ... 32 L. SAVADORI ITA Milwaukee Aprilia Aprilia RSV4 RF .................................... 1'28.805
It's a nice tight grouping, but only the Factory Kaws have made it into the 27s. Should make for good qualifying.