Three weeks after Misano we were back at Brno. We did a test at Brno before the Misano meeting, so it was the first circuit since Valencia, that I had ridden at before the round. I was really glad that at least we could go there for the race, with a basic idea of a setup to start with. I really liked the track as well, it was one of the longest, widest and one of the most challenging circuits I\u2019d ridden at before.<\/p>\n
In first practice the track was very dirty and slippery. Lap times were way off and it was only a matter of a few laps before the tyres were absolutely torn to bits. I was 17th in this session, however with the bad track conditions, most riders put in their fastest lap within the first 4 laps, so the positions were sure to change and times would drop considerably in the first qualifying session.<\/p>\n
After watching the time sheets from the other classes, times were dropping and the track was obviously getting quicker so I was keen to get back on track for the afternoon 45 minute qualifier. With a few adjustments, I tried to use the session constructively, as tyre ware, particularly front, was going to be a factor, and I needed to get in some good laps while the tyres were good. A lap time of 2.06.0 put me in 16th. I wasn\u2019t too disappointed with this as I knew there were a few key changes we could make to assist with set up, I just hoped it wouldn\u2019t rain for the next qualifier, as the weather was overcast and trying to rain.<\/p>\n
Superstock is out first up on Saturday morning and we were using old tyres in this session. Times would depend a lot on how well I could push on these tyres and more importantly how long they would last. We made a fork spring change and it certainly helped hold the front up more on corner entry where the front had been pushing. We made several changes during the session and I managed 13th fastest. Nevertheless, this was only free practice but we were moving in the right direction and this gave us a good base for some minor changes for the final qualifying at 4:45 that afternoon. <\/p>\n
The clouds had threatened rain throughout the day but luckily it held off giving everyone the chance to better their starting position. I was confident with new tyres that I could improve my first qualifying. I waited until I could find a clear patch of track and put in a few hard laps with the new tyres. I moved up to 13th on the grid from 16th, before pitting to make further changes. However in the closing minutes of qualifying I couldn\u2019t get a lap together clear of traffic to improve further, but 13th has been my best starting position to date so I was happy that with a good start and consistent laps I could be much further toward the sharp end of the field.<\/p>\n
Sunday morning and clear weather was sure to mean a dry race and 9th in the 10 minute warm up was a good start to the day. An hour later we gridded up to race. I got a solid start and was 11th across the line on lap 1. The immediate pace was quick so I pushed hard early on the stay with it and moved up into 9th before long.<\/p>\n
The front group of 6 riders pulled a lead, then Seato was in a very lonely 7th, then trailing him was the group I was in, consisting of riders from position 8 to 15th, which was a freight train of hargy bargy, where we were constantly changing positions, banging fairings and elbows. I didn\u2019t want to destroy my tyres early on, however my pit board said +0 every lap so I tried really hard to make a break from the group. About mid race distance I managed to move into 8th to lead the pack, nevertheless it was a real dog fight for every inch of track. <\/p>\n
The 12 laps of the 5.5km Brno circuit went so fast, and before I knew it, the old last lap desperates were coming into play. I changed positions 3 times on the last lap and after some very close tussles I crossed the line 11th. It would have been nice to have finished in 9th where I was for most of the race, but it was definitely a hard fought race, lots of fun and quite frankly, with the way we pushing for positions, it was a big possibility that any one of us could have come down!!<\/p>\n
We only have 4 rounds left in the Championship so I\u2019m hoping to get a few solid finishes under the belt. Next weekend is Brands Hatch which is about 4 hours from where I\u2019m living in England. I have ridden the short circuit there but not the actual long track that we will be racing. Who\u2019s betting on a wet race???<\/p>\n
Talk to you all soon.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Gareth Jones, 18\/07\/08 – 20\/07\/08 FIM Superstock 1000 Cup Round 6 Friday – First Practice Three weeks after Misano we were back at Brno. We did a test at Brno before the Misano meeting, so it was the first circuit … Continue reading