Round 6: Kyalami South Africa

[DooberRoni]

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/DooberRoni/SBKkyalamiPost2.png

With just one week since Monza, it's off to South Africa for Round 6 at Kyalami. We're just putting things together on the board for the coming week so check back in a day or two and we'll have more. All we know here in the 'Ville is that

SPIES ROCKS!

[KingKenny]

Spies Rocks? Understatement of the century!

Go Ben. Your 2009 WSBK Title hopes are still alive. YOU CAN DO IT!

If Ben scores pole in Kyalami, he will equal the all-time sequence recorded only once in the history of the championship, back in 1991, when Doug Polen posted six straight poles from Zeltweg to Hockenheim. The win in race 2 at Monza was the fifth for Ben, who equalled the all-time record for a rookie, set formerly by Davide Tardozzi in 1988 and John Kocinski in 1996.

[KingKenny]

This is the first race in Africa since 1998-2002. Past winners are:
Colin Edwards - 3 times
Pierfrancesco Chili - 2 times
Carl Fogarty - 2 times
Troy Bayliss - 2 times
Ben Bostrom - 1 time
Ben Spies - 2 times [2009 - knock on wood]

The layout is considered technically challenging over 4.263 meters with 11 left-handers and 6-right handers with various elevation changes which demands a riders complete attention for the entire lap.

The previous track record is Pole = 1:41:321 by Colin Edwards with Honda & Race = 1:42:178 by Noriyuki Haga with Aprilia.

During recent testing, these marks were obliterated by Fabrizio, Spies, and Haga dropping under the 1:40 mark.

In Supersport, Crutchlow, Laverty, and Lascorz appear to be the men to beat. Only Andrew Pitt and Kenan Sofuoglu have "tested" at Kyalami which may give them a slight advantage over the rest of the field who will need to learn the track during practice.

[ÜberDoober]

Wow! Thanks for the post, KK. I didn't realize that they had run Kyalami so many times previously. I've been so busy this week, it's been tough to stay on top of things.

It's happy Friday morning cut and paste time! Results of Superbike free practice.

Kyalami Superbike - Free Practice 1st Session

1 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'40.067
2 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1'40.102
3 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'40.119
4 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'40.137
5 56 Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'40.322
6 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1'40.498
7 132 Morais S. (RSA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'40.502
8 36 Lavilla G. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1'40.514
9 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1'40.531
10 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1'40.599
11 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'40.623
12 19 Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 1'40.652
13 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'40.738
14 9 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1'40.801
15 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1'41.099
16 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1'41.317
17 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'41.324
18 25 Salom D. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'41.713
19 10 Nieto F. (ESP) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'41.783
20 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'42.073
21 33 Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'42.389
22 49 Whyte S. (RSA) Yamaha YZF R1 1'42.400
23 31 Muggeridge K. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'42.496
24 17 Martin S. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1'42.775

I'm not on top of things...where's Zemke?

[KingKenny]

Wow! Thanks for the post, KK. I didn't realize that they had run Kyalami so many times previously. I've been so busy this week, it's been tough to stay on top of things.

It's happy Friday morning cut and paste time! Results of Superbike free practice.

Kyalami Superbike - Free Practice 1st Session

1 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'40.067
2 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1'40.102
3 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'40.119
4 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'40.137
5 56 Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'40.322
6 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1'40.498
7 132 Morais S. (RSA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'40.502
8 36 Lavilla G. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1'40.514
9 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1'40.531
10 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1'40.599
11 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'40.623
12 19 Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 1'40.652
13 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'40.738
14 9 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1'40.801
15 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1'41.099
16 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1'41.317
17 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'41.324
18 25 Salom D. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'41.713
19 10 Nieto F. (ESP) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'41.783
20 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'42.073
21 33 Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'42.389
22 49 Whyte S. (RSA) Yamaha YZF R1 1'42.400
23 31 Muggeridge K. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'42.496
24 17 Martin S. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1'42.775

I'm not on top of things...where's Zemke?
I have no idea. Hopefully someone can update us on that. Could he be at Infineon racing in Daytona Sportbike?

[Gary]

Zemke is indeed at Sears Poi...er, Infineon. He was third in the first practice session there.

I wouldn't be shocked if he rode the bike at Miller, but no idea if he will. Hopkins was hoping to be fit by then, but I think he may have been over-optimistic.

[KingKenny]

Go Zempke :thumbup1: But... finish 3rd behind Hacking & Hayden! :smilielol5:

[KingKenny]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/May/090515d.htm

Regis Laconi Seriously Injured In Kyalami Superbike Crash
by jim mcdermott
Friday, May 15, 2009

Reports out of Kyalami, venue of this weekend's World Superbike races, indicate that DFX Corse Ducati rider Regis Laconi was seriously injured in a high speed incident today. Laconi crashed heavily during the opening moments of the first practice and was airlifted to a hospital in Johannesburg, where he was placed in a medically induced coma. It is thought that Laconi fractured his cervical vertebrae in the accident.
Information is still foggy at this point; Laconi's team stated that he is able to move his limbs, and neurological damage is limited. However the WSBK press office's Friday recap release said that Laconi suffered "severe trauma" to the cervical vertebrae, and surgery will be performed tonight by a neurological specialist to address the serious injuries. It was also stated that Laconi is on the hospital's "danger list". Luckily, Laconi did not hit any obstacles in his crash; but he was violently slammed to the ground. Cervical vertebrae injuries are common in contact sports, and are similar to severe whiplash.

Regis Laconi nearly won the WSBK Championship in 2004, but was beaten at the final round of the season at Magny-Cours by factory Ducati teammate James Toseland. Famously, Laconi broke down emotionally on the podium, having suffered the ignominy of losing the title on French soil to an Englishman. Laconi had a lackluster 2005 season, and was dropped by Ducati Corse at the end of the year. He moved to PSG-1 Kawasaki for several seasons, but struggled. For 2009, Regis joined DFX Ducati, riding a customer 1098R, and was confident that the switch back to the Bolognese twin machine would reinvigorate his career. Things seemed to be going to plan: Laconi scored 4th and 7th places at Philip Island, got into the top 10 at Losail, and brought the bike home 4th in both races at Valencia. Clearly, Regis is still capable of riding a World Superbike very quickly.

Sadly, Laconi's injuries will likely derail his 2009 "comeback" season. Soup sends Regis our best wishes and prayers for his full and fast recovery.

All at Dooberville send there regards and prayers for a speedy and full recovery. Get well Regis ! :(

[Gary]

Apparently if Hopkins is not fit Zemke (no p!) will ride his bike at Miller, and there is a decent chance that Hacking will fill in for Tamada.

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=36545

[ÜberDoober]

Sucks about Laconi. Been a rough week in SBK. :(

The round coming up at Miller could be dang interesting. The DMG pulling out and the alternate plan in place could really rock. We've got a couple racers here that will be racing in what could be a spectacle of non-DMG-ness?

I would love to see Hacker get a ride at Miller. Dat would be cool. :thumbup1:

[KingKenny]

I would luv to see Jamie ride at Miller. He may surprise where Zemke probably just be respectable. Ain't sayin podium or anything but... he can ride.

I hope they rename the Barber corner "Monster Hacking Corner" >>>> :smilielol5:

[Gary]

He might do well (Hacking) but unless Kawasaki did a horrible job of hiring in SBK (and in at least one pick I'd say they did, but Hacking will be on that guy's bike) he'll be hopping on the worst factory bike on the grid.

[ÜberDoober]

... the worst factory bike on the grid.

As a Kawasaki owner, this makes me sad. (and I won't even mention the Hayatesaki)

[Gary]

I've always been a Kawasaki fan - my first bike was Kawasaki and I still think they have more 'personality' than any other Japanese bike, but it's almost as though their racing teams aren't even trying. I'm sure they are, but the GP bike was a mess (although either they 'hired' the right guy (he isn't being paid) or fixed it), the SBK team fights to get into the points and they aren't even racing 'superbike' (I use that term loosely) in the US.

Oh, and I got into racing when Lawson and Muzzy's efforts were taking it to Honda - that made me a Kawi fan too!

[KingKenny]

Awwwweeee.... :D poor thing.

My first "race bike" was a 93 ZX6. It was dog crap. Sorry, I agree with Gary. :thumbup1:

[ÜberDoober]

I think Spies hasn't shown his hand yet? He was 6th in the 2nd provisional qualifying and now 4th in 2nd free practice.

Kyalami Superbike - Free Practice 2nd Session
Saturday, 16 May 2009

1 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'38.007
2 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1'38.286
3 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'38.365
4 19 Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 1'38.519
5 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'38.702
6 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1'38.763
7 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1'38.861
8 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'38.878
9 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1'38.983
10 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'39.046
11 56 Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'39.206
12 9 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1'39.237
13 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1'39.405
14 132 Morais S. (RSA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'39.490
15 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1'39.527

And in Supersport, Crutchlow takes it:

Kyalami Supersport - Qualifying
Saturday, 16 May 2009

1 35 Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R6 1'40.634
2 54 Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Honda CBR600RR 1'41.003
3 50 Laverty E. (IRL) Honda CBR600RR 1'41.161
4 1 Pitt A. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 1'41.396
5 26 Lascorz J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1'41.558
6 51 Pirro M. (ITA) Yamaha YZF R6 1'41.563
7 99 Foret F. (FRA) Yamaha YZF R6 1'41.603
8 8 Aitchison M. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 1'41.699
9 69 Nannelli G. (ITA) Triumph Daytona 675 1'41.778
10 21 Fujiwara K. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1'42.003
11 55 Roccoli M. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 1'42.079
12 24 McCoy G. (AUS) Triumph Daytona 675 1'42.296
13 14 Lagrive M. (FRA) Honda CBR600RR 1'42.603
14 5 Pradita T. (INA) Yamaha YZF R6 1'42.615
15 9 Dell'Omo D. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 1'42.781
16 13 West A. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 1'42.821
17 117 Praia M. (POR) Honda CBR600RR 1'42.832
18 83 Holland R. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 1'43.009
19 25 Laverty M. (GBR) Honda CBR600RR 1'43.146
20 105 Vizziello G. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 1'43.150
21 77 Veneman B. (NED) Suzuki GSX-R600 1'43.257
22 53 Polita A. (ITA) Suzuki GSX-R600 1'43.923
23 28 Vos A. (NED) Honda CBR600RR 1'43.925
24 86 Portman R. (RSA) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1'44.065
25 32 Lai F. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 1'44.080
26 7 Vostárek P. (CZE) Honda CBR600RR 1'44.630
27 30 Günther J. (GER) Honda CBR600RR 1'44.884
28 88 Guerra Y. (ESP) Yamaha YZF R6 1'44.897

[ÜberDoober]

I knew it!

SPIES TAKES 6TH STRAIGHT SUPERPOLE !!!

Kyalami Superbike - Superpole
Saturday, 16 May 2009

1 19 Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 1'37.288
2 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'37.289
3 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'37.466
4 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1'37.544
5 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'37.634
6 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1'37.677
7 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1'37.940
8 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1'38.241
9 56 Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'37.935
10 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'37.988
11 132 Morais S. (RSA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'38.013
12 9 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1'38.081
13 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'38.130
14 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1'38.171
15 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1'38.194
16 36 Lavilla G. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1'38.733
17 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'38.766
18 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'38.779
19 25 Salom D. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'38.880
20 33 Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'39.001
21 10 Nieto F. (ESP) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'39.831
22 31 Muggeridge K. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'39.852
23 17 Martin S. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1'41.227
24 49 Whyte S. (RSA) Yamaha YZF R1 1'41.737

[Gary]

I think Spies hasn't shown his hand yet? He was 6th in the 2nd provisional qualifying and now 4th in 2nd free practice.


Spies and his team impress me in everything they do. In qualifying all they worry about is top 20, which is nothing for him. They usually run a race sim in the second qualifying session so his times don't look dazzling, but considering Fabrizio still seems to be trying to win practice he is in pretty good shape.

He seems to spend a fair amount of time with a full fuel load and/or worn tires.

[KingKenny]

That make Spies a record holder. Ties Doug Polen for most consecutive Poles! [man did that come out wrong somehow]. :rofl:

[KingKenny]

News (http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news.html)/ Latest News (http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/latest-news.html)

Regis Laconi - Friday evening update (http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/latest-news/558-regis-laconi-in-a-serious-but-stable-condition-thursday-evening-update.html)

Saturday, 16 May 2009 09:27 http://www.worldsbk.com/images/M_images/printButton.png (http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/latest-news/558-regis-laconi-in-a-serious-but-stable-condition-thursday-evening-update.html?tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page=)http://www.worldsbk.com/images/M_images/emailButton.png (http://www.worldsbk.com/en/component/mailto/?tmpl=component&link=aHR0cDovL3d3dy53b3JsZHNiay5jb20vZW4vbmV3cy9sY XRlc3QtbmV3cy81NTgtcmVnaXMtbGFjb25pLWluLWEtc2VyaW9 1cy1idXQtc3RhYmxlLWNvbmRpdGlvbi10aHVyc2RheS1ldmVua W5nLXVwZGF0ZS5odG1s)

Following his crash Regis Laconi was taken by helicopter to Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg. After undergoing checks later in the evening it was possible to have a better idea of the Frenchman's condition.

Laconi suffered two broken cervical vertebrae (C3 and C5), severe concussion and a contusion of the lung. A CT scan for eventual neurological damage, proved to be negative and for the moment he is in an induced coma and in a stable condition. After consultation with Dr. Maurizio Zorzi, the South African neuro-surgeon who was called from Pretoria to check on the patient's condition, it was decided not to operate immediately and to postpone any eventual intervention for a few days.

Barring complications, a further three weeks will be required before a clear clinical picture of the situation can be made, during which the French rider will have to remain totally immobile.

[KingKenny]

News (http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news.html)/ Latest News (http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/latest-news.html)

Regis Laconi - Sunday morning update (http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/latest-news/577-regis-laconi-sunday-morning-update.html)

Sunday, 17 May 2009 10:26 http://www.worldsbk.com/images/M_images/printButton.png (http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/latest-news/577-regis-laconi-sunday-morning-update.html?tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page=)http://www.worldsbk.com/images/M_images/emailButton.png (http://www.worldsbk.com/en/component/mailto/?tmpl=component&link=aHR0cDovL3d3dy53b3JsZHNiay5jb20vZW4vbmV3cy9sY XRlc3QtbmV3cy81NzctcmVnaXMtbGFjb25pLXN1bmRheS1tb3J uaW5nLXVwZGF0ZS5odG1s)

Regis Laconi's condition is reported to be improving slowly. The French rider, who crashed on his out lap in the opening free practice session of Friday morning in a fast left-hand corner, is currently hospitalized in the intensive care unit of Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg. He was successfully brought out of a medically-induced coma and his upper and lower limbs immediately showed signs of autonomous movement. As a result it has been decided to carry out the operation that involves the application of a plate to stabilize the two fractured vertebrae. The operation will be carried out on Tuesday 19th May, and Regis will have to stay a minimum of two weeks in the same hospital. He should, at the end of the month, be in a condition to be transferred to Paris, where he will complete his convalescence. The other neurological problems resulting from the crash are also showing positive results.

[KingKenny]

WSBK Race 1 Results:
1. Haga
2. Fabrizio
3. Spies
4. Rea
5. Biaggi
6. Nakano

Haga & Fabrizio ran a great race. Kudos!

[KingKenny]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/May/090517a.htm Apparently Superbike Planet folks are stone cold drunk at Infineon. Yesterday they had Rapp's finish wrong and today this ...

WSBK: Haga Wins Race One At Infineon
by staff
Sunday, May 17, 2009

Pos.RiderTeamBikeTime1Noriyuki HagaDucati Xerox TeamDucati 1098R2Michel FabrizioDucati Xerox TeamDucati 1098R3Ben SpiesYamaha World SuperbikeYamaha YZF R14Jonathan ReaHANNspree Ten Kate HondaHonda CBR1000RR5Max BiaggiAprilia RacingAprilia RSV46Carlos ChecaHANNspree Ten Kate HondaHonda CBR1000RR7Shinya NakanoAprilia RacingAprilia RSV48Yukio KagayamaSuzuki AlstareSuzuki GSX-R 1000 K99Shane ByrneTeam SterilgardaDucati 1098R10Tom SykesYamaha World SuperbikeYamaha YZF R111Gregorio LavillaPro Ride World SuperbikeHonda CBR1000RR12Ryuichi KiyonariTen Kate Honda RacingHonda CBR1000RR13S. Morais14Jakub SmrzGuandalini RacingDucati 1098R15Broc ParkesKawasaki World Superbike R.T.Kawasaki ZX 10R16Fonsi NietoSuzuki AlstareSuzuki17Luca ScassaTeam PederciniKawasaki ZX 10R18Karl MuggeridgeCelani CorseSuzuki GSX-R 1000 K919Tommy HillHANNspree Honda AltheaHonda CBR1000RR20David SalomTeam PederciniKawasaki ZX 10RHaga's margin of victory was .905. Leon Haslam crashed out.
ENDS

(http://www.hardscrabblemedia.com/)

[ÜberDoober]

Hahahaa! That's pretty funny. Of course, by the time I looked they had fixed it.

Watching race 1 on SPEED right now. Here's results of race 2. Spies reportedly retired with gearbox problems. Too bad

Kyalami Superbike - Race 2
Sunday, 17 May 2009

1 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 39'45.027 (153,816 kph)
2 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 0.322
3 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 8.936
4 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 10.561
5 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 10.767
6 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 12.413
7 56 Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 12.616
8 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 14.878
9 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 16.225
10 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 18.197
11 132 Morais S. (RSA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 20.629
12 36 Lavilla G. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 24.320
13 9 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 24.564
14 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R 38.747
15 10 Nieto F. (ESP) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 50.045
16 25 Salom D. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 57.999
17 33 Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'05.973
18 17 Martin S. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1'28.685
19 49 Whyte S. (RSA) Yamaha YZF R1
RET 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R
RET 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R
RET 19 Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1
RET 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR
RET 31 Muggeridge K. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9

[ÜberDoober]

This is too funny because of Yamaha's typo!

RACE REPORT 17/05/2009
Mixed fortunes for Yamaha riders Spies and Sykes in Kyalami

The first race saw Yamaha rider Ben Spies drop back to fourth from the pole position start as they left the line. He recovered quickly and took second position back as they turned into the first corner, diving up the inside of Biaggi to tuck up behind championship rival Noriyuki Haga. Halfway round the first lap he was passed by Michele Fabrizio and settled into third position behind the two Ducatis as they battled for the lead for the majority of the race.

With seven laps to go, Spies dived passed Fabrizio on the last corner coming on to the start finish straight to take second. As the lap unfolded Fabrizio passed briefly but was taken straight again by Spies as the powerful Yamaha out dragged the Ducati from the corner. An unfortunate tank slapper coming out of Clubhouse allowed Fabrizio passed again, and as the tyres had now gone off it was impossible for Spies to catch up so he settled for third and a well deserved podium.

Race two saw disaster strike for Spies, having dropped to third off the start, he again passed Biaggi on the inside for the second place spot and coming round for lap three took Haga in a fantastic move for the lead. No sooner had he done this than his shit linkage broke, making it impossible to change gear and forcing him to retire from the race.

Team-mate Tom Sykes had a less than perfect start to race one, dropping from his eighth position start on the grid to 16th as they headed into the first corner. With ten laps to go he'd moved up to 11th position with a steady race pace and then swiftly took Lavilla for the tenth spot. Although maintaining a good race pace he couldn't get up to ninth so settled for 10th. Race two saw a better start, dropping initially to 10th, he worked hard to take two places and move up to the eighth spot which he held until briefly before the finish when Suzuki rider Kagayama took back the spot, relegating him to ninth.
Ben Spies


Ben Spies, Yamaha World Superbike Team, (3rd,DNF)
"We were struggling to hang in there in race one, it was a good race for all three of us up at the front. When I passed Michel I tried to reel in Nori and then unfortunately made a mistake. I was really strong in parts of the track but giving up too much time in some corners and couldn't get in there. The second race was very unfortunate, I was feeling good and had secured an early lead, then obviously had the technical problem and had to retire, I'm really disappointed about it. I'm looking forward to going home to the USA for the next round and seeing if we can make it up."

Tom Sykes, Yamaha World Superbike Team, (10th, 9th )
"I got away badly in the first race and initially dropped down to sixteenth which was a shame as I felt I could have been more consistent. The second race I got away ok from the start and was closing in on Checa and a couple of the boys, but the last five laps or so I was really struggling. If we could have found a bit more grip it would have been better. We struggled on the power this weekend as well which was tough on this circuit. I'm looking forward to getting to Miller as I think the track will suit the R1 really well, and I want to close the gap and get up into fourth place as I think it's possible."

Massimo Meregalli, Yamaha World Superbike Team Manager
"Both riders did really well in the first race as we have been having issues here with the tyres, making it hard to be consistent throughout the race. For Ben in race two we had a problem with the shift linkage so he was unable to change gear and had to retire. We knew from practice that it was going to be tough racing here but both Ben and Tom did their best. The Ducati engine was stronger here on the day. "

Circuit Length: 4263
Weather: Sunny
Lap Record: 1'42.178 (Noriyuki Haga, 01/01/2002)
Fastest Lap Ever: 1'37.288 (Ben Spies, 17/05/2009)

I hope Ben gets his shit linkage fixed. :rofl: :smilielol5:

[Gary]

Too many DNFs for Ben, and not all the team's fault. I thought he would give Haga a run, but unless Haga starts looking like his old self (crashing) it will be a runaway title.

Fabrizio is starting to look impressive, but I think the altitude may help the twins.