Shakey News
WSB Round Twelve - Imola Superpole
25 September 2010
Shakey winds up in 13th position after another difficult
Superpole session
This afternoon, the 2010 World Superbike riders took part in the
12th Superpole session of the season and the fans were
on the edge of their seats. Shane 'Shakey' Byrne and his Althea
Ducati team mate Carlos Checa, were among those on track who had
qualified for the Superpole. After an extremely wet session out on
the circuit, the two riders had reserved their places on the third
and fourth rows of the grid. Both riders crashed during the
session, which unfortunately prevented them from achieving higher
positions.
On the previous sessions on a dry circuit, Byrne was among the
frontrunners but during the wet Superpole he found it increasingly
difficulty to find any grip on the slippery surface. Shakey fell at
the same point of the track as his team-mate and, after returning
to the garage, he went back out on his second bike. Finishing in
13th position in the Superpole with a time of 2m11.395
Shakey commented: "After the first phase we made the right decision
to change the set-up that was too hard for the conditions.
Unfortunately when I went back out I found myself behind Crutchlow:
I saw him fall but didn't have time to close the gas or change
direction and so I fell there too. I tried to make a fast lap with
my first bike but I had a clutch problem, caused by the fall, and
so I had to use the second bike. It wasn't set-up in the same way
and so I wasn't able to make the top eight. I apologise to the team
because they have worked so hard but tomorrow I'll try my best to
catch up and make two good races. It will be tough from the fourth
row but I'll give it my all."
Genesio Bevilacqua admits "It was an unfortunate afternoon. The
track was slippery and our two riders were among those who fell.
After the second qualifying, which took place in the wet, we knew
it would be a risky Superpole and we were right. I am however
confident ahead of tomorrow. We've found good pace with both Carlos
and Shane and we'll fight back tomorrow from the third and fourth
rows, as we strive to take two strong results."
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