After the success of Marcon Melandri in Australia, we had one of the most difficult tracks to conquer at a time early in the season where anything can happen.
But yet again Nolan Group came out on top, particularly in race 2 with Chaz Davies grabbing 1st place! That win made it 3 wins from 4 races for Nolan Group so far this season! Marco Melandri was unfortunate with his bike not co-operating. Leon Camier on the other hand is becoming more competitive with each race weekend. An excellent podium too for Federico Caricasulo in Supersport after an aggressive race.
That’s it for the exotic rounds for now, back to Europe and to Aragon for the next race, different track, but same aim... to win!
SUPERBIKE:
CHAZ DAVIES RACE1: 3rd
"To start from third row was quite difficult, so I just tried to be patient and let the race come to me. I made some passes but, as I raced with a different front tire compared to my usual choice, I felt like I was learning the bike lap after lap. I had a fun fight with Camier, who's also my neighbour and a good friend, so I'm very happy with this podium. Tomorrow we'll start from third row but on the outside of the grid, which is better for grip. I want to make further improvements with the setup but everybody's close, so it will be a matter of details."
CHAZ DAVIES RACE2: 1st
"It was a fantastic race, something special. To come away with a win here makes me so happy. At Buriram we've always struggled in the past, it's been a long process to get into a race winning position. I want to thank the whole team because they've given me such a great bike today. The Panigale R was working really well, we found a little bit more consistency and I could be more adaptable with the bike. It was quite hectic out there but, if you can get through it OK, it's so much fun. Our package is competitive and in Europe it will be like starting from zero. I'm looking forward to Aragon."
LEON CAMIER RACE1: 4th
"Today I was really happy with my performance but not quite happy with the result as I was so close to the podium! Although I missed the podium, there were a lot of positive things to take away from the day and the Fireblade was working really well. We made a small setting adjustment for Superpole which improved my one lap pace and helped put me on the front row, and we also made another small change for the race which was another step forward and meant I could challenge right at the front. Overall I am really happy with how today went - I think we're close to consistently challenging the front guys - and we'll see what I can do tomorrow in Race 2 from pole position."
LEON CAMIER RACE2: 6th
"The start of the race was great, I got the holeshot and led into the first corner and although the bike was very strong in the turns and under brakes, there was a small issue which made it difficult to defend against the other riders in the leading group. I still managed to keep a good pace and sixth place was the best I could do today. Overall I'm happy with how we performed this weekend as we were able to make some good steps to improve the Fireblade's performance."
MARCO MELANDRI RACE1: 8th
"We found a good pace yesterday during practice, but today we struggled once again with stability on the straight. I was competitive with fresh tires and I fought in the leading group but, as the laps went by, I was forced to ride a bit more slowly. The bike was wobbling a lot and, on a track like this with three long straights, it became an uphill race. Unfortunately we still haven't solved this issue once and for all, but the team is working really hard and we want to bounce back tomorrow."
MARCO MELANDRI RACE2: 7th
"We worked hard to come up with some modifications to our setup, which unfortunately didn't yield the expected results. The bike was wobbling a lot also today, and it was a difficult race for us. I tried to ride as hard as I could and fight back, but it wasn't possible to do more today. Anyway, we won't give up. The championship is still long and I'm confident we'll find a solution. We'll head to Aragon to fight even harder."
SUPERSPORT
FEDERICO CARICASULO 3rd:
"I am happy with the result! I wanted more but today that was impossible as I was just losing a little on corner exit to my rivals. The race was not easy because it was really hot and we pushed at the maximum for all of the 17 laps but I am happy with what the result means for the championship and for the way my team worked. My bike mid-corner and under braking was really good and I am sure in Aragon we can be fighting for the victory!"
