The last Superbike weekend in Donington was very un-British from a weather point of view.
A sultry heat made racing difficult for grip in both Superbike and Supersport.
Our guys, both struggling with the development of their bikes, have done well, all things considered. Two top ten for Iker Lecuona in Superbike on Honda, a crash and fourth place for Federico Caricasulo in Supersport on Ducati.
Little break and then ... Most, in the Czech Republic! And you, where will you be? Tell us about it on our social channels!
SUPERBIKE
IKER LEUCONA RACE1: 8th
"A day of two sides - I’m quite happy and want to say thanks to the team for the great work they’ve done on the bike following an issue we had yesterday. We resolved that and found a good setup for the bike which allowed me to set a competitive time in qualifying despite a small mistake on my flying lap and find good race pace. I started the race quite well from the clean side of the track and was able to run top five in the first laps. Unfortunately, though, I’m really suffering with arm pump in my right arm this weekend, so strong that I was not sure I could even finish the race. After ten laps I realised I just had to manage the situation and try to reach the line. I almost made it to seventh, but Gerloff overtook me on the very last lap. I couldn’t fend him off, but I think we can be happy with the work we are doing as a team."
IKER LEUCONA RACE2: 10th
"This morning in warmup I felt good on used tyres so I knew we had the potential to fight for a top five finish. In the Superpole race, my start wasn’t exactly the best and then I lost time in a lengthy battle with Loca. By the time I finally overtook him, a gap had opened between me and the guys ahead. I finished seventh, not a bad result all things considered, and still good for race 2 grid. I was also able to manage my arm pump issue over the short race distance. Unfortunately, the same couldn’t be said of Race 2 when I struggled a lot physically speaking. A lack of energy and pain in my right arm made the situation quite difficult to manage. I felt a first drop in my physical performance already after five laps. So race 2 was tough, but we managed to finish top ten anyway, which isn’t bad considering we are having a consistent season but at the same time it’s frustrating because the result doesn’t reflect the potential of the bike here. P10 would be not our position today if I had not had that issue. A big thanks to the team anyway, as they do not only work very hard but support me regarding every aspect of the weekend. Leon (Camier) arranged to have a physiotherapist here to try and help me with my arm, so thanks to everyone on the team and now let’s rest up ahead of the next round."
SUPERSPORT
FEDERICO CARICASULO RACE1: DNF
"The day hadn't started badly, as we proved to be as fast as the leaders in qualifying, apart from Aegerter. In the race I had a couple of problems in both starts that affected the race.
At the second start I was still very fast and recovering but when I reached the podium group I crashed due to my mistake. Tomorrow we have the opportunity to try again and work already from the warm up to get back in front."
FEDERICO CARICASULO RACE2: 4th
"It certainly went better than yesterday because we finished the race and brought home a lot of data.
It was the best result of this season so far. I was hoping, halfway through the race, to fight for the podium until the end but I had some grip problems and a bit too much drop in the last 5-6 laps. This didn't allow me to stay in front, on the contrary, I had some flaws to keep up with the group, so in the end I had to settle.
However, I am satisfied because we have collected important data that will help us to start from a better base already in Most."
