Race Report...
Date: 26/05/07
Event: FIM World Supermoto Championship Rd 2
Track: Torino, Italy
Bike: Aprilia 550
Weather: Mixed

Qualifying

Qualifying was held in dry conditions. The track was pretty tight and twisty and there were even tarmac humps in the middle of the corners, which the organisers had laid to take the circuit over some of the pavements that were in the way. The off-road section was pretty cool though with some nice jumps. Anyway, I was late starting the session due to a misunderstanding between myself and my mechanic about the tyres which was probably my fault. Normally it's not such a problem in a 40 minute session but the skies were threatening a heavy downpour so I was anxious to get out and get a time early. Thankfully though the threat never materialised. With the circuit only being about a minute long, it was obvious the times were going to be incredibly close so I stayed out longer than usual trying to pound out the laps and find a good rythm. and about mid session I was P1. We then waited until about 10 minutes to go before a last effort to go quicker. The team noted that all the other riders were taking the high line in the final off-road corner and getting better and better lap times, where as my best time came from the inside. So for the last stint I tried the outside every time but I just couldn't make it work. I was happy enough though because I was in the top 4 which is Superpole teritory. Shame they cancelled it the following day due to the track!
Finished: 3rd

Race 1

The track for race day was so different from practice day. The organisers were having major troubles due to the weather and the clay off-road section and instead of giving us extra practice to test the new circuit they decided to do away with it completely and just give us 3 extra warm up laps instead! Anyhow, the circuit was soaking for the 1st race and the off-road was a total mud bath! I got a pretty good start and was running 2nd behind Pignotti. He went down first time round on the off-road but I made a big bobble too and about 4 people came through. I then binned it myself on the 2nd lap in the same place. It was total carnage in the off-road but after a few laps it had settled down and I was in 2nd behind Delepine. I actually felt really good in the wet off-raod and was catching when he too went down momentarily but picked it back up right behind me. I pulled a bit of a gap but then followed a really slow backmarker through the pff-road and Delepine caught right back up and made his move. By now the tarmac was becoming really slippery due to all the mud and as it did I dropped off the pace a little. I tried to keep hold of Delepine but it was risky and I had about 30 seconds gap over 3rd place so I held a steady pace to the finish.
Finished: 2nd

Race 2

For the 2nd race, the off-road had dried which made a massive difference. The tarmac was still really slippery though but it did improve as the race progressed. I didn't get the best jump off the line but had a good line into turn 1 and took the lead. From then on it was an all out fight right to the flag. I knew it was a difficult circuit to pass on so I concentrated really hard on holding tight, consistent lines and trying to keep a fair pace going throughout the race. It was all going to plan until I caught sight of the hard charging Delepine flying through the pack after a crash. He really was on it and was making most of his tie by doing the step down. Being in the lead I didn't know who was and who wasn't jumping it and so I didn't want to risk it. With a lap and a half to go he was right on my tail. I knew where he would be fast so I just tried to make a gap before entering those parts of the cicuit. There were so many thoughts going through my mind during that last lap. It was incredibly close and it was the race for the top step of the podium. Even in the last corner I could feel him breathing right down my neck but I managed to hold it right to the line.
Finished: 1st

My 2nd GP race win in in as many rounds but more importantly it was my first ever top step of a World Podium. The first British rider ever to stand on top of that podium and it was such a fantastic experience. All my family continue to support me so much and without them it would be impossible and the team are just incredible. I think for all of us it was a very emotional moment. It really hit me when the National anthem began to play and I looked back to see the Union Jack flying high in the night time breeze. It was something I will never ever forget