Eugene down but not out
Sun, 04 Oct 2009
PARKALGAR HONDA’S Eugene Laverty crashed, remounted and bravely finished 13th at today’s 13th round of the World Supersport Championship at Magny Cours in France to keep his title hopes alive - he is 19-points behind Championship leader Cal Crutchlow with only one round remaining and a maximum of 25-points for the win still up for grabs.
Eugene had been challenging eventual winner Juan Lascorz on a Kawasaki for the lead of the race and was in second place at mid-race distance when he crashed.
Miguel Praia finished 12th on his Parkalgar Honda. He will be going for a better result in the final round of the Championship at his and the team’s home state-of-the-art track at Portimao in Portugal on 23rd – 25th October (to book tickets in advance, visit http://www.autodromodoalgarve.com/).
Eugene: “That was not what we wanted from today. I had been cruising behind Cal and when I passed him I was leading the Championship on track. Overnight the team had made changes and improved the bike significantly so we knew we would be in with a chance. I wanted to put Lascorz between us but the fuel load had dropped and it caught me out. Usually I have a few warnings and put more weight on the front but this time I had none and down I went. I got back on but the right lower fairing was dragging through the corners and slowing me down on the straights. I am not hurt but I am disappointed, however, it is not over yet and now we will go to our home track at Portimao and we have got to win either-way - who knows what will happen. We still have a shot at the title and want to win at our home circuit in Portugal.”
Miguel: “My start was not so bad but I was blocked at the last hairpin by another rider out-braking himself and then lost four places on the opening lap. In the beginning I couldn’t do the lap times I expected but after half distance I was comfortable and able to go faster. We are 15th in the Championship now which was our start of season goal which is good. I have higher hopes for the final round at my home track and have a big expectation for that race at Portimao; it is going to be great and I would encourage everyone to book their tickets now.”
Simon Buckmaster, Parkalgar Honda Team Manager: “That was turning into a great race and everyone was pushing hard when Eugene slid off. Last weekend it was Cal, this weekend it was us. It isn’t over yet though and while we are disappointed not to win today we will go to our home track at Portimao with the clear intention of winning the race and seeing what happens – Eugene was down today but he is not out of the running. Miguel didn’t get going quick enough but his lap times at the end were good – 12th is still a strong result for him and solid points. Well done to the whole Parkalgar Honda team, everyone gave their all this weekend and I am proud of them.”
Race Result
1 Lascorz J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX-6R 32'21.660 (155,389 kph)
2 Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R6 0.937
3 Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Honda CBR600RR 5.910
4 West A. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 20.797
5 Aitchison M. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 20.992
6 Pitt A. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 21.232
7 Fujiwara K. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX-6R 21.441
8 Roccoli M. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 23.539
9 Lagrive M. (FRA) Honda CBR600RR 24.654
10 Pirro M. (ITA) Yamaha YZF R6 35.848
12 Praia M. (POR) PARKALGAR HONDA CBR600RR 36.803
13 Laverty E. (IRL) PARKALGAR HONDA CBR600RR 52.022
Championship Positions (after 13 of 14 rounds)
1: Crutchlow 230
2: LAVERTY, PARKALGAR HONDA 211
3: Sofuoglu 169
4: Lascorz 163
5: West 117
6: Foret 115
7: Pitt 114
8: Aitchison 82
9: McCoy 82
10: Roccoli 70
15: PRAIA, PARKALGAR HONDA 34.
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