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news
01 Aug 2008
Jones takes provisional front row at home round
PARKALGAR HONDA’S Craig Jones took a strong second place during first qualifying for round nine of the World Supersport Championship at Brands Hatch in Kent today.
He headed the times sheets during morning free practice and looked set to do the same in qualifying until a small crash slowed his progress. He was uninjured and his Parkalgar Honda sustained minimum damage. His technicians worked hard to make sure he was able to get back out on track on his number one bike and complete qualifying.
Miguel Praia, Jones’s Portuguese team-mate was had a tough time on the challenging 2.3 mile GP circuit, completing qualifying in 31st position. He was struggling to find his way around the blind bends and undulations which are key characteristics of the Kent circuit.
Second qualifying takes place on Saturday 2nd August while race day is Sunday 3rd August with the action kicking off at 1320. British Eurosport will broadcast live from 1100-1700 or you can watch on line at www.worldsbk.com.
Craig: “I’m happy enough with that. We had made a change to the bike and it was working well but I went in a bit hot, tucked the front and crashed - but it wasn’t serious. I was able to get back out on my number one bike thanks to the hard work of my Parkalgar Honda team, we improved on the lap times so I’m happy with P2, I’m confident for tomorrow and for the race.”
Miguel: “I’m trying to learn the track again as it is very hard just coming here once a year. I need more laps tomorrow to learn the difficult corners and the ups and downs. My CBR600RR Honda has no problems, it is just myself, I need to follow someone to find the way and to improve.”
Simon Buckmaster, Team Manager Parkalgar Honda: “It’s not been a bad day really. Craig had a clear advantage but went into Stirlings too hot, caught the bumps which unsettled the front end and it just folded. He could have gone out on his number two bike but he wanted his number one machine and it was the right decision because when he went back out he managed to go even faster. We have good race pace, a good shot for pole tomorrow, and should it rain we are already second on the grid.
“Miguel is struggling with the track as there are a lot of blind corners, so he needs to hook on the back of someone. It is a very difficult circuit and one visit a year isn’t really enough to keep his track knowledge up to date. I’m sure with more track time he will be able to improve and pull in a few more points.”
First Qualification
1: J Rea, GBR, (Honda) 1:28.117
2: CRAIG JONES, GBR, (PARKALGAR HONDA) +0.223
3: B Parkes, AUS, (YAMAHA) +0.292
4: M Lagrive, FRA, (Honda) +0.394
5: M Roccoli, ITA, (YAMAHA) +0.663
6: B Veneman, NED, (SUZUKI) +0.758
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31: MIGUEL PRAIA, POR, (PARKALGAR HONDA) +2.895.
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