Rizla Suzuki s Chris Walker won the applause of the large Bank Holiday Monday crowd at the opening round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch GP circuit in Kent with his all-action riding style and fighting spirit.
Starting from fifth on the grid, Walker shot to second by the first corner in both races. In the opener he held third right until the final two laps and eventually ended fifth. In the second pace-car interrupted race he was second for the first eight laps before dropping back, finishing eighth. In both cases from the mid-point onwards, he suffered from a lack of rear grip.
Rizla Suzuki s Cal Crutchlow also struggled for grip during both races despite showing early on he could run with the top riders. He finished bravely with 13th and 18th places on his debut in the British Superbike Championship.
Ducati s Gregorio Lavilla won both races, held in glorious warm sunshine. The second round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship is at Rizla Suzuki s home circuit of Thruxton in Hampshire next weekend, with race day on Sunday, April 9th.
Chris Walker:
“It s been a frustrating day as we certainly had the pace to run at the front and compete for the podium. At the half-way point of both races my bike lost rear grip - it was like a switch was flicked and there was nothing I could do about it. Tyre choice wasn t easy this weekend so we ll be working hard with Dunlop to ensure we get it right at the next round.
“Two top-10 finishes give me a solid start to the season and I am absolutely delighted to be back riding in front of the British crowd again; it s the best ever motivation. Thanks to all the Stalker fans and I hope you enjoyed the racing! “
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