Berger 'incredulous' after 'strange' wheel break

Maxime Berger could not hide his disappointment at being the victim of an unusual retirement during the second round of the World Superbike Championship at Donington Park.

The Frenchman was looking to get his first points on the board for Supersonic Ducati, but was forced out of the opening race when his rear wheel became detached from his bike.

Sending a stunned Berger to the ground, the former Superstock 1000 race winner says he is thankful the break occurred at a slow part of the circuit.

"I'm disappointed and incredulous," said Berger, who also failed to finish race two. "I never had to stop twice for so two strange reasons. The ring broke and I was lucky because it broke into a slow corner. I found myself on the ground without knowing what happened.

"In race two after the start, the clutch started to give me problems, until he completely stopped me after the first lap. The tests went well; I had a good feeling with the Ducati and a pace that would allow me to win my first championship points.

"We must not fall. The team did a great job here at Donington and with their help I am sure the results will come in the coming races."