Carlos Checa was surprised to find himself celebrating third position on the grid for the latest round of the World Superbike Championship as he rediscovers some of the form that last saw him on top of the podium three months ago.
At one point considered the closest rival to
Troy Bayliss in the championship after winning both races at Miller Motorsports Park, Checa has fallen away in the series recently, scoring consistently, but not highly.
Nonetheless, the success of his team-mate
Ryuichi Kiyonari at
Brands Hatch and also this weekend has prompted Checa into reviving his form. Although third place at the end of qualifying still marks his best result of the two days, the Spaniard was pleased given he has never ridden the Superbike in wet conditions before this weekend.
“The last few races have been a bit difficult because we have been struggling in qualifying,” he told
Crash.net Radio. “We thought we'd find it difficult here, especially in the wet because we haven't been in the wet before.
“But we have been working quite well because it has been so wet we can choose the tyres and find the grip. I pushed very strong at the end and I got a good lap time, which was a surprise because I didn't think it would be that good. Things are looking good, especially if it is wet.”
