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news
04 Apr 2008
Provisional front row for Jones
PARKALGAR HONDA’S Craig Jones made a superb start to his race weekend at Valencia in Spain for the third round of the World Supersport Championship by securing second place on the front row of the grid.
The gritty Brit is determined to take his first win of the season at the 4005m circuit where his team successfully tested last month. He said: “I’m really pleased with how today has gone and there is more to come.
“We are looking at the gearing as it is a little short for the long straight here. Once we get that sorted it will help with slipstreaming during the race. We’ve got new engines which is good news as they have a bit more performance. I’m thrilled with how things are going, my team are working hard and we are determined to go for a win.”
Parkalgar Honda’s Miguel Praia crashed during free practice but was unhurt. He qualified 19th on the hugely competitive grid and said: “I had a crash this morning which has kept me back and limited my track time, so I think I can make big improvements tomorrow.
“My Parkalgar Honda, complete with its new engine, feels very strong and fast. Paulo Pinheiro, the boss of the Parkalgar circuit and complex in Portugal is here to support the team this weekend ,which I appreciate. I hope to do well for him and for my team.”
Both riders took considerable chunks out of their lap times which they posted during the official World Superbike Valencia test three weeks ago showing that the team’s development work is going in the right direction. Honda’s Andrew Pitt is in pole position.
Team Manager Simon Buckmaster said: “Craig has come to Valencia focussed on success and determined to score as many Championship points as possible. He has an improved Parkalgar Honda CBR600 and the full backing of the team as he goes for the race win.
“Miguel suffered a crash but luckily is unhurt and came back to post a lap time faster than the recent test. Despite losing track time, he has proved he is improving every outing and we expect him to score points in the race.”
There is a further practice and qualification sessions tomorrow, followed by the race on Sunday, April 6th, at 1320 CET. It can be viewed live on www.worldsbk.com. For more information on Parkalgar Honda, qualifying and race reports, a unique view on racing from Team Manager Simon Buckmaster and free to download images, visit www.parkalgar-honda.com.
First Qualifying:
1: A Pitt, Aus, (Honda) 1:36.773
2: CRAIG JONES, GBR, (PARKALGAR HONDA) 1:37.068
3: K Fujiwara, Jpn, (Kawasaki) 1:37.233
4: B Parkes, Aus, Yamaha) 1:37.436
5: J Brookes, Aus, (Yamaha) 1:37.449
6: J Lascorz, Spn, (Yamaha) 1:37.538
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19: MIGUEL PRAIA, POR, (PARKALGAR HONDA) 1:38.604
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