Rizla Suzuki’s Cal Crutchlow scored his career best British Superbike Championship qualifying position by taking fifth place at the sixth round of the Bennetts Championship at Mondello Park in the Republic of Ireland today.
In heavy rain at the 2.18-mile-long water-logged track, Cal only came in once to clean his visor and add a touch of preload to his forks. He completed 19-laps and was consistently in contention at the head of the timesheets, ending up just one tenth of a second off the front row.
Chris Walker was in eighth when a red flag stopped the session with just over two minutes remaining. A handful of riders restarted and completed one last flying lap, with Honda’s Tom Sykes the sole improver, pushing ‘Stalker’ back to ninth.
Honda’s Jonathan Rea took pole position in front of his home fans.
Cal Crutchlow:
“That was a bit of fun in the wet. At a couple of the corners I was spinning the rear sideways through puddles and smiling inside my helmet. All I did today was stay out and get a feel for the bike and tyres in the wet and it worked well as fifth is my best ever qualifying position in British Superbikes.
“I’ve always liked Mondello Park and can’t wait to get racing. There’s a lot of talk about the weather but I have no preference whether rain or sunshine; I have my target of getting in the top six to achieve. “
Chris Walker:
“I am disappointed not to have qualified further up the grid but the head of the third row means at least I am starting on the best side of the track for entering the first corner.
“I like Mondello Park and have enjoyed riding here; even in the pouring rain it has been good. Qualifying is one thing but points are awarded only for the races and I’ll be going for it. “
Simon Buckmaster - Team Manager:
“Allowing Cal to stay out on track all session was a master stroke because he simply felt his way with the tyres in the rain and went faster and faster. He’s been strong all weekend and there’s no reason he can’t keep this run of good form up in the races.
“Chris did a decent job today and although he and his crew are disappointed with ninth, he can get the bike off the line like nobody else and I’m sure he’ll be mixing it with Cal in the top six in the races.
“It has rained all weekend so far and we haven’t had a single dry lap in any session. We are in good shape if the races are wet but if it is dry it’s going to be a busy morning for everyone finding a set-up. Either way I think we are looking forward to an exciting race day. “
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