Carlos Checa's competitiveness was the overwhelming highlight for Hannspree Ten Kate Honda in provisional qualifying for round six of the World Superbike Championship at Miller Motorsports Park, the Spanish rider laying claim to a spot on the front row.
Currently leading the charge to catch runaway championship leader
Troy Bayliss, despite having not won a race this year, Checa topped the timesheets for much of the hour thanks to an impressive early effort that put him comfortably ahead of his rivals.
He even went on to improve his advantage to become the first driver to dip below 1min 50secs, but was soon usurped with ten minutes remaining. Although he failed to go any quicker in the latter stages, Checa was satisfied with the third fastest time.
“The track is OK and the tyres are working well,” he said. “We just did the normal things we test when we arrive on a new track for the first time. I understand the grip level of the tyre and which ones work better, set up the balance for the bike.
“Everything looks positive considering this is our first outing on the track. We have been consistent and I am satisfied with the results set today. Hopefully we can make one step in front tomorrow and improve the results.”
Team-mates
Ryuichi Kiyonari and
Kenan Sofuoglu were making less positive noises about their day's work after finishing down the order in 23rd and 17th respectively.
Kiyonari blamed tyre selection problems for his woes, while the returning Sofuoglu admits the team have gone the wrong way on bike set-up.
“It took me some time today to adapt to the bike again as I have been testing the HRC bike last week,” the Japanese rider said. I have tried several different tyres today and made my choice for the tyre I will be using tomorrow. We pretty much have been using the same setting we have used throughout the last races.”
