A triple header weekend for Superbike plus a double Superstock at Donington Park directly between our International road race duties at the NW200 and IOM TT was always going to make this a very difficult period. Multiple crashes, thankfully without injury, added to our workload during the weekend, however with all things considered I am extremely proud of our Tyco BMW team who once again showed great strength and resilience under significant pressure.
Our Superbike campaign is gaining momentum and we can be confident the new S1000RR will challenge for podium positions very soon with both Christian and Keith showing the potential of a great motorbike. With more time and further developments on the 2019 model S1000RR I’m certain Andy Reid can also get back to where he belongs in challenging for podium positions.
Thanks as always to our partners Tyco and BMW and to our valued sponsors.
Philip Neill – Team Manager
A seventh, sixth and sixth this weekend was good after a big highside in qualifying which left a bit of a challenge ahead for race one. I managed to pick my way through the pack and secure a seventh place finish from a P15 grid start. I think I could have got a little higher but I had completely overused the front tyre.
In race two I managed a sixth, which I was content with but again struggled with tyre wear. It was a shame because I was running with the leaders but I ended working my way backwards. We made some changes for race three, but I made one mistake and had quite a big moment which moved the handlebars and made it a little difficult to ride. All-in-all we had a good weekend and made plenty of steps forward, the team and bike were working great – so roll on Brands!
Christian Iddon – #21 British Superbike Rider
The weekend started really good with topping the timesheets in FP2, I was feeling really comfortable with the bike. We made a few changes for FP3 which didn’t give me the best feeling and I crashed at Craner so that put us on the back foot as it left the boys quite a bit of work to do. The boys did a great job getting the bike back, but we ran out of time and I ended up qualifying towards the back of the grid. Race one went great, to make my way up to 8th from 23rd, I was really pleased with that. I didn’t feel entirely comfortable in race two but we managed to get a solid tenth place. I was feeling good again in race three and managed to make my way up the order and started to fight for sixth place but I caught the kurb and it sent me into oblivion – I’m a little bit tender and sore but I’ll live.
It was a positive weekend, wasn’t the greatest of finishes, but that’s racing! I’ll take the positives from the weekend and look forward to Brands.
Keith Farmer – #33 British Superbike Rider
It’s been a tough weekend for the whole team, although we can take some positives away from Donington Park. Some steps forward made with the development of the bike. Thanks to my crew for all their efforts this weekend!
Andy Reid – #67 National Superstock 1000