Troy took a superb runner-up spot in the opening race of the tenth round of the Superbike World Championship at Brands Hatch today and then followed it up with a hard-fought for third in race two. It was his best race of the year since Donington back in April and, hopefully, a sign that his recent run of bad luck has come to an end.
Series leader James Toseland won both races much to the delight of the huge partisan crowd. It was Toseland’s first ever World Superbike win at Brands Hatch, his first ever double and gives him a 66-point lead over Troy’s team mate Noriyuki Haga in the series. Behind Troy’s second place in race one, was Max Biaggi (Suzuki) in third, followed by fourth-placed Ruben Xaus (Ducati), Michel Fabrizio in fifth and Roby Rolfo (Honda) sixth.
Troy chased Haga and Toseland throughout the second 25-lapper, but just couldn’t catch the duo. But his third place was way ahead of Fabrizio in fourth. Fifth went to Kagayama (Suzuki), with Xaus sixth.
Troy - Race 1: 2nd, Race 2: 3rd
Well, I feel that is my best weekend of the year and it’s how it should be every weekend. It’s what I had expected before the season started and I’m happy that we’re back to podium ways again. Racing at Brands Hatch is always very tough and demanding and today was no exception. It felt very hot and humid and it was hard work doing two 25-lap races out there today. The bike felt quite good, apart from a bit too much movement, but the tyres were pretty consistent in both races.
We made some small changes to the bike for race two, just suspension, mapping and fork settings mostly, but I didn’t get a good start. So, I just put my head down and worked my way up through the field. I was held back by some riders, but it was good when I got clear of them and could catch Nori and James. I was aware of Nori’s position in the championship and was quite happy to settle for third. During my recent run of bad luck, I have never stopped believing that I could get podiums and today I feel that I am back where I belong and I hope the rest of the season continues the same way. See ya,
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