Leon Haslam grabs his first win of the season at Croft

Haslam first victory of the season closes him within three points of the series leading Kiyonari. © Airwvaves Ducati. Airwaves Ducati rider Leon Haslam scored his first win of the season at a rain soaked Croft circuit in round ten of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship. This first victory of the season closed him within three points of the series leading Ryuichi Kiyonari who scored his eighth win of the season in race one.

The japanese rider quickly took the lead of the opening race on the back straight before being passed by Jonathan Rea, Leon Haslam and Gregorio Lavilla on lap three. Kiyo only temporarily occupied fourth before passing Lavilla on the start-finish straight of the North Yorkshire circuit. Kiyonari then set his sights on second placed Haslam finally passing him two laps later. Fellow Honda rider Rea had established a strong lead at the head of the field, however the Irishman went wide and Kiyo took advantage of his error and passed him, moving up into first, a position he was to maintain until the end of the 20-lap fixture, while Lavilla held a strong third ahead of Haslam as Byrne, Rutter and Tommy Hill packed the placings.

Torrential rain came down heavily prior to race two and the riders prepared for the first full wet race since Donington Park. Michael Rutter took an early lead while Kiyonari got away in third place and Harris in fifth. Karl, however, having accounted for leader Michael Rutter, was running comfortably clear - stretching out a significant lead of 8 seconds by lap 11 - but Haslam was up for the challenge and by lap six, Leon had moved up into fourth place and again the top four riders started to pull away. Leon Haslam and Gregorio Lavilla seemed to be fighting for second and third. However after Leon took second place from his team mate on lap 12 he took a second off of Harris' lead every lap until he was just 1.4 seconds behind him going into the final lap. Leon then recorded the fastest lap of the race in the chase for the top podium spot overtaking the Honda on the second to last corner to take the chequered flag and his first win of the season by just 0.090 secs. Spaniard Gregorio Lavilla secured a third position ahead of Shane Byrne and Ryuichi Kiyonari.

Ryuichi Kiyonari: “The first race was fine, at first it was a little damp. I was a little too careful at one point and the other three riders passed me but I concentrated hard and made my way back through the field, the second was not so good as I don't like the heavy rain.” (HM Plant Honda)

A delighted Leon Haslam said after the race: “I really wanted that win and I am over the moon! I am really happy with the way I rode today and I am within 3 points now with all my favourite tracks still to come so I am certainly looking towards the title. Cadwell, Silverstone and Brands suit the Ducati 999F06 and there is no reason why Greg and I can't one-two every race from now and put the Hondas behind us on the way to the Championship title.” (Airwaves Ducati)

Karl Harris: “I'm gutted about the second race, but I guess that's the way it goes. I wasn't expecting the see Leon. I broke the lap record on the second to last lap with a 27.2, and I thought that would have sewn it up, but he then did a 26.6 on the last lap and just got me. I guess that's as close as you can get to winning without actually winning!” (HM Plant Honda)

Gregorio Lavilla was pleased with his weekend's performance and happy for his team mates' first win: “The conditions were bad today but I felt confident going into the last race as we had wet conditions at Donington and we did well there. I am pleased with how I rode today and with Cadwell, Brands Hatch and Silverstone ahead we can be confident for some good performances to come. I am pleased for Leon, he deserved the win today, he has been riding really well and it is great to see the Airwaves Ducati team finishing the championship strongly.” (Airwaves Ducati)

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