Pole position spots in both of Sunday’s British Superbike Championship races for Alastair Seeley and Michael Laverty unfortunately couldn’t replicate Saturday’s BSB victory for the Relentless by TAS Suzuki team. But, despite DNFs in both races for Seeley and a fourth place and DNF for Laverty, both riders remain inside the top six, with Laverty’s Shootout place already secured.

The opening race of the day saw both Relentless by TAS Suzuki riders on the front row of the grid, and while Seeley took the holeshot into Paddock Hill from his pole position slot, he was soon embroiled in a podium battle with Kawasaki rider Tom Sykes who was taking advantage of the month-long WSBK break to race in his home country.

Alastair Seely highsides behind teammate Michael Laverty

The race was red flagged after only a handful of laps when Seeley high-sided on the exit of Surtees. The Ulsterman walked away from the crash unhurt, but an unsighted Andrew Pitt collected Seeley’s machine forcing the stoppage after the Australian took a heavy tumble. Unfortunately for Seeley, his bike was too badly damaged for him to make the restart, having to sit it out and watch his teammate Laverty race to fourth place.

Laverty’s fastest lap in race one gave him pole position for race two, but after dropping off the pace early on, he worked his way back into a podium position before crashing out at Druids. In an ironic twist of fate, Seeley crashed at virtually the same time, but at Paddock Hill after working his way through the field and onto the back of Stuart Easton and his biggest rival for sixth place in the current Shootout standings, John Laverty.

Michael Laverty:
“Race one wasn’t too bad today. I came out with fourth place but I was disappointed that I couldn’t challenge the leaders. We made some suspension changes for race two, which allowed me to run a better pace, but I didn’t have the pace in the early laps on fresh tires. Once the tires started to slide I could make ground back on the leaders and I had third in the bag. I pushed on as I felt I could go for the win; unfortunately it wasn’t to be and I lost the front at Druids. Although I leave Brands frustrated, I have qualified for the Shootout, so now I have a new focus: to find the speed to win races.”

Alastair Seeley:
“I’ve gone from hero to zero this weekend. The boys did a great job building a complete bike for me so I could take part in the second race. I got a bad start in race two but composed myself and pushed my way through and onto the back of Easton. We had caught John Laverty but the rear end came right round on me down into turn one and that was the day over. It has been a tough day, but you get them now and again, but on the positive side – we are still 10 points in front of seventh place, so it’s all to play for at Cadwell Park. I can’t thank the team enough today for their efforts in getting me back out on track.”

Philip Neill – Team Manager:
“It has obviously been a disappointing day for us after yesterday’s success. However, we will take the positives from the weekend: we have scored our ninth BSB podium this weekend and our second race win of the year, and to do that on a special 25th Anniversary weekend for Suzuki and the GSX-R range, not forgetting 50 years of racing, is very special.

“It was a dream before the season started to have both our riders in the top six, and that is now a distinct possibility with Michael Laverty’s position already secured for the Shootout. Unfortunately Alastair is making the job very difficult for himself. Each time he looks to have the position secured with an outstanding performance, he follows that with a few costly mistakes – although this can be expected from a series rookie.

“We will regroup as a team and continue with testing in preparation for the next round at Cadwell, in the hope of making that dream a reality. Thanks to Suzuki, Relentless and all our sponsors for their continued support. A special mention must go to my team for a majestic performance this weekend – especially having built Alastair Seeley a completely new bike in less than three hours, so he could make the grid for race two.”

Race two results:
1. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki WSB)
2.Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) +1.118s
3.Michael Rutter (Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati) +3.497s
4.Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +4.000s
5.James Ellison (Swan Honda) +4.189s
6.Tommy Hill (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +11.142s
7.Stuart Easton (Swan Honda) +11.182s
8.Yukio Kagayama (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +11.937s
9.Dan Linfoot (Motorpoint Yamaha) +15.507s
10.Gary Mason (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +15.637s

Race three result:
1. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki WSB)
2.Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) +0.563s
3.Michael Rutter (Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati) +4.788s
4.Tommy Hill (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +6.531s
5.James Ellison (Swan Honda) +11.804s
6.Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda) +11.910s
7.Yukio Kagayama (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +13.927s
8.Stuart Easton (Swan Honda) +20.929s
9.John Laverty (Buildbase Kawasaki) +21.181s
10. Simon Andrews (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +25.089s

British Superbike Championship standings:
1. Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) 249
2.Tommy Hill (Worx Crescent Suzuki) 242
3.Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda) 239
4.Michael Rutter (Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati) 217
5.Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 206
6.Alastair Seeley (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 153

Series rookie Alastair Seeley scored a magnificent debut British Superbike Championship victory at Brands Hatch race one on Saturday.

The Relentless by TAS Suzuki rider qualified his GSX-R1000 Superbike strongly on row two in seventh position. Then, in a two-part opening race – red flagged because of rain – the Ulsterman held off seasoned professionals Michael Rutter and Ryuichi Kiyonari to take the team’s second British Superbike victory of the season in treacherous conditions.

Alastair Seeley:
“I got good starts today and that made the difference. I had some front-end issues in the dry part of the race, and in the re-start in the wet I had loads of slides on white lines and the curbs, but managed with it okay. My visor steamed up so I opened it, but with the wind streaming into my eyes I had to shut it again. We held on for the win and it’s all credit to my Relentless by TAS Suzuki team and our superb GSX-R1000 Superbike that we made the top step.

“This is what I’ve always wanted in racing and now that I’ve sampled it I’d like more of the same. A big thanks to all the team sponsors, and also those who have helped me over the years and brought me to this stage of my career, including my family.”

Michael Laverty couldn’t better his Q2 qualifying time, but still made the all-important Q3 session – eventually heading up row three in ninth position. In today’ re-started race, Laverty had to come from dead last after being shunted off the circuit at Surtees on the opening lap. After re-joining the circuit, he kept his composure to pick his way through the field, taking some very valuable points in sixth place at the checkered flag.

Michael Laverty:
“It was a tough race for me today, especially after I got hit from behind on the opening lap and almost went down. Luckily I saved it and took a detour across the grass, but it left me in last position, so I had to fight hard to come through the field. Sixth was a decent result in the circumstances but also very frustrating as I know what I was capable of today. I will be hoping for better fortunes tomorrow.”

Philip Neill – Team Manager:
“What a phenomenal performance today from both riders. Alastair had me on the edge of my seat with his win, but his years of Superstock experience certainly aided him in today’s difficult conditions: he showed his precocious talented using absolute precision on throttle control in the closing stages.

“It’s our second win this year from nine podiums, but to do it this weekend when Suzuki is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of its GSX-R range is pretty special. Granted we have found an extremely good wet set-up with our GSX-R1000 Superbikes and that credit must go to the boys in the team.

“Michael Laverty showed true pedigree to come from last place after getting pushed off the track on lap one, and to come through to sixth place at the end with the fourth fastest lap of the race, also shows how polished Michael is becoming as a top BSB rider.

“Whilst we are delighted to have taken our second win of the season today, we must not get carried away. Alastair, for me, must be the best rookie to have graced this series for many, many years, but he needs to remain calm and finish the weekend with two strong results on Sunday. We are also delighted to have scored maximum points for Suzuki in the manufacturers’ standings.”

British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, race one result:
1 Alastair Seeley (Relentless Suzuki by TAS)
2 Michael Rutter (Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati) +0.298s
3 Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) +1.470s
4 Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda) +2.926s
5 Tom Sykes (Kawasaki WSB) +14.320s
6 Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +17.241s
7James Ellison (Swan Honda) +21.713s
8 Yukio Kagayama (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +23.516s
9 John Laverty (Buildbase Kawasaki) +24.738s
10 Ian Lowry (Kawasaki WSB) +26.213s

Michael Laverty continued his impressive run of form in the British Superbike Championship yesterday with the Relentless by TAS Suzuki team, posting his fourth and fifth BSB podiums of the season and taking third place in both races.

Laverty also maintained third place in the Championship standing and now sits on 133 points, just 21 behind series leader and fellow Suzuki rider Tommy Hill, with Australia’s Josh Brookes wedged in between them.

Alastair Seeley scored 11 points on his Mallory Park BSB debut with 10th and 11th placed finishes and the current National Superstock champion is just eight points outside the top six.

Michael Laverty:
“I’m reasonably happy with two third-placed finishes today as it’s good for the Championship. But if I’m being honest I had expected to get a win following the pace we had shown throughout practice on the Relentless Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbike. The other boys found something extra today and I wasn’t able to respond, but we will move on to Knockhill next weekend in a confident frame of mind. We are in good shape in the championship following a run of five consecutive podiums, and although my consistency is paying off, I want to win some races. The team has done a good job again this weekend and gave me a very capable bike, so thanks to them for the effort.”

Alastair Seeley:
“My goal was to score solid points today and from fourth and third row grid positions I think we did okay, but it was a tough day at the office. I would have been happier to be well inside the top 10, but we battled hard and stay within fighting distance of the top six leaving Mallory. I was closing down on ninth in the first race and just ran out of laps and in race two I had a few small problems that I had to work around. All in all we’ve kept in on track and scored points, so I’m now looking forward to Knockhill where I’ve had some success in the past on the Superstock GSX-R1000.”

Philip Neill – Team Manager:
“I’m pleased enough with the weekend and it really is nice to be back in the BSB paddock. In saying that, it seems like we are stuck on third placed finishes, with two at the TT followed by two here at Mallory. I’m pretty satisfied though with another couple of podiums – Michael’s fourth and fifth in a row – and it’s also good for the Championship, but I know we can win races. We know as a team where we can improve and Michael knows where he can improve as a rider, but I was impressed with his fitness today. Alastair did what we expected and battled hard and he scored points when others didn’t, so that will set him up well for Knockhill next week.” Read more…

Seeley's NW200 Superbike win breaks a 13-year streak for Irish riders

Relentless by TAS Suzuki and its in-form British Superbike rider Alastair Seeley made history at the Relentless-sponsored International North West 200, winning the feature Superbike event – a first for an Irish rider in 13 years.

The 30-year-old reigning British Superstock champion also took the opening Supersport race victory, a Superbike race one podium and two other fourth-placed finishes – on a day when Relentless by TAS Suzuki posted four podiums from five races, including two tops steps.

The team started their day with third place in the opening Superbike event, again heralded by that man Seeley, who fought his way from the third row of the grid to stand on the podium. On the opening lap it was Bruce Anstey who led the Relentless Suzuki effort, coming from his row five grid slot up to fourth place, but he was soon overhauled by his diminutive team-mate, who closed down a five second gap to the leaders for his opening podium of the day.

Such was Seeley’s pace; he set a new lap record for the 8.9-mile circuit at 120.985mph [4mins 26.909sec]. Anstey eventually finished fifth with Cameron Donald eighth, just ahead of Adrian Archibald, also on a GSX-R1000 Superbike.

In the opening Supersport race, Anstey led the Relentless Suzuki charge on the opening lap in sixth, with Seeley two places further behind in eighth on his GSX-R600. But Seeley was hungry for a debut middleweight division victory at the NW200, forcing his way into the leading group of four on lap three, with some aggressive but safe passing maneuvers.

On the final lap into the penultimate chicane at Juniper Hill, Seeley produced one of the best moves ever witnessed at the North West 200 Triangle, sliding in between Ian Hutchinson and Keith Amor – and after leaving his braking later than his rivals, Seeley dropped his GSX-R600 into the chicane ahead of both Hondas, and from there he was never headed to the flag, giving TAS Racing their fifth victory in the Supersport class at the North West 200.

Cameron Donald was the next Relentless Suzuki home in seventh with Anstey 14th. Seeley again set a new class lap record at 115.582mph [4mins 39.386sec]

Bruce Anstey and Alastair Seeley had shared the last four Superstock wins at the NW200, but Anstey opted out of yesterday’s race due to a difficult grid position after qualifying, preferring to keep his powder dry for the final Supersport race.

In true Superstock style, it took three laps before the leading contenders could shake off the pretenders to the crown, with Seeley soon in the mix with the front four. Unfortunately on the final lap, he just could not find the grip required to drive hard out of the slower turns with his rivals and settled for fourth place, albeit only 0.9sec behind eventual winner Keith Amor.

When the feature NW200 Superbike event was cut from six laps to four, the odds were stacked against all three Relentless by TAS Suzuki riders, positioned on rows three, four and five.

Anstey again got the better start of the trio but Seeley, holding the expectations of an 100,000-strong local crowd, forced his way through, and onto the back of Honda duo Easton and McGuinness at mid distance, guaranteeing a grandstand finish.

Seeley led onto the final nine-mile lap but Easton took up the initiative on the brakes into Metropole with only the two-mile Coast Road section to conquer. Seeley, as we have come to expect, wasn’t prepared to settle for second place, putting the nose of his GSX-R1000 Suzuki under the Scotsman at the very next turn before demonstrating his pure road racing prowess to take a very famous victory.

In pursuit of the Honda pair, the Relentless by TAS Suzuki rider also upped the lap record to a staggering 121.875mmmph [4mins 24.960sec] on lap three.

In the final race of the day – the second Supersport 600 encounter – Seeley followed teammate Bruce Anstey across the line in fourth place; the Kiwi justifying his decision to sit-out the Superstock race with a fine third place on his Relentless by TAS Suzuki GSX-R600. Cameron Donald was eighth.

Read more…

Michael Laverty scored his first BSB win of the season in race 2 at Oulton Park

Relentless by TAS Suzuki posted its debut victory in the British Superbike Championship Premier Class with Michael Laverty at the Oulton Park third round.

Laverty’s second-race demolition of the field in the British Superbike class demonstrated the progress Moneymore-based TAS Racing has been making with their GSX-R1000 Superbike already this season. And, after being virtually written off in the pre-season build up, both Laverty and Alastair Seeley now sit proudly in the top five in the current standings.

In race one it was Seeley who looked odds-on for his second BSB podium of the year, but a missed gear on the final lap allowed John Laverty to steal his thunder, which left the Carrickfergus man to narrowly pip his teammate to the line for fourth.

In race two, while Laverty was soloing to a superb victory, Seeley fought his way through from mid-pack to take 10 valuable points in sixth place.

Michael Laverty:
“That was a really nice feeling today. I just hope it goes a long way to being forgiven for my crash at Thruxton! It’s really strange because it’s probably the easiest I’ve had to ride to win a race, never mind so convincingly. It’s not often you get the perfect bike, but the boys gave me one today for that win. We still have a bit to go with the dry set-up on our GSX-R1000 Superbike, but we are getting closer every weekend and I’m confident we can be up at the front in the dry very soon – possibly as soon as Cadwell Park. The boys deserve this bit of success for all their hard work.”

Alastair Seeley:
“I am a bit frustrated about not getting on the podium in race one, but there’s no point in moaning about it. I missed a gear and fought back to fourth so we have to be pleased with that after a tough weekend at the previous round. In race two, I spun up going off the line and ended up bashing bars and fairings mid-pack. I got my head down and just tried to be smooth on the throttle and when I got onto the back of Josh Brookes he was all over the place. His tire was obviously in worse condition than mine at that stage, so to get past for sixth was a good result in difficult conditions. I’m learning all the time about this Superbike and I’ve stayed fit and healthy with the North West 200 just over a week away – so that’s a big positive.”

Philip Neill – BSB Team Principal:
“After all the hard work our team has put in, that was a pretty emotional day for me and I have to say, Michael’s win was probably one of the best rides I’ve ever seen – he really destroyed the field and was even comfortable putting in consistent quickest laps. It’s a great reward and a boost of confidence for the whole team and proves just how great a bike the current GSX-R1000 really is. I must obviously give credit to Michael, who I have always believed in, and this will be a real confidence booster for him.

“Alastair may be disappointed at missing out on a race-one podium, but the ‘Wee Man’ just continues to blow us away with his talent, enthusiasm and self-belief. Let’s not forget it’s only his second time out at Oulton on a Superbike and his comeback from mid-pack to sixth was phenomenal in race two: It also shows where he has come from when he’s disappointed not to be on the podium every weekend as a rookie.

“We really do have two genuine contenders this year, who are as good as anyone in the Championship, and we are delighted to have helped Suzuki retain top-spot in the Manufacturer Standings; it’s always good to do your bit.

“I must give a special mention to the boys in the garage who work a very tight schedule with our BSB and road racing commitments, so fair play to Leigh, Arnie and Davy Kertesz as they found an enviable wet weather set-up for our riders today. We’re not that far away in dry conditions either and this sets us up well for next week’s North West 200.”

BSB Race 1 Results:
1. Stuart Easton (Swan Honda)
2. Tommy Hill (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +0.058s
3. John Laverty (Buildbase Kawasaki) +10.399s
4. Alastair Seeley (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +10.843s
5. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +10.849s
6. Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda) +11.073s
7. Gary Mason (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +23.428s
8. Chris Walker (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +27.478s
9. Dan Linfoot (Motorpoint Yamaha) +35.997s
10. Tommy Bridewell (Quay Garage Honda) +36.709s

BSB Race 2 Results:
1. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS)
2. Michael Rutter (Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati) +6.00s
3. Tommy Hill (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +11.333s
4. Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) +16.029s
5. John Laverty (Buildbase Kawasaki) +23.590s
6. Alastair Seeley (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +27.258s
7. Tommy Bridewell (Quay Garage Honda) +30.287s
8. Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda) +30.283s
9. Hudson Kennaugh (MAR Kawasaki) +32.463s
10. Adam Jenkinson (Buildbase Kawasaki) +54.950s

Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing is well prepared and looking forward to this weekend’s Bank Holiday British Superbike Championship meeting at Oulton Park – always a favorite with the Irish riders. After a tough weekend at Thruxton just two weeks ago, both riders, Alastair Seeley and Michael Laverty, will be looking to increase their points tally at the Cheshire circuit. Seeley currently sits just inside the magical top six in fifth, with Laverty in tenth and hungry for a debut podium this season on his Relentless Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbike.

Philip Neill – BSB Team Principal
“We’ve worked hard in between rounds after a tough weekend at Thruxton, including a day’s testing at Kirkistown to let the boys try out different chassis settings. It gave them both an insight to what’s available with different set-ups, so it was a productive day and they both did around 80 laps of our local circuit. We are now ready for Oulton Park and are confident with both our wet and dry options.”

Michael Laverty is still not 100% after a topple at Thruxton

Michael Laverty
“I’m now two rounds into the championship, but it hasn’t quite gone according to plan so far. We have the pace to be running at the front on the GSX–R1000 Superbike, although I have yet to show my true potential.  At a recent test at Kirkistown I got to try a lot of chassis variations and learnt even more about my GSX–R. I have found an answer for one small area where I was weak, so it was a productive day for me. I’ve also been to see my Osteopath to get myself prepared for this weekend, as I needed a few tweaks after bouncing across the curbs at Thruxton. To be fair I got off quite lightly compared to a few others who hit them; my heel is still a little bruised and tender to walk on but otherwise I’m fine, so roll on Oulton Park.”

Alastair Seeley comes to Oulton Park this weekend fifth in BSB Championship points

Alastair Seeley
“Unfortunately my Thruxton results weren’t as great as I expected but I salvaged some points out of the weekend and I’m fifth in the championship so that’s a positive. I don’t think we’ll have the same issues again this season as there is no other circuit in BSB that has the kind of characteristics that Thruxton does – spinning the rear up in four and fifth gear.  I’ve been running, cycling and doing a bit of motocrossing on my new RMZ250 Suzuki to keep me in tip-top shape coming into this weekend. I also attended the final NW200 press conference at Stormont Buildings in Belfast where my GSX-R1000 superbike was on display, and it created plenty of interest with loads of pictures in the local press. Oulton this weekend is a fun track, and throws a bit of everything at us. I hope to be at the sharp end once again and bagging some solid points come race day.”

Relentless by TAS Suzuki will take the positives from a tough weekend at Thruxton during the second round of the 2010 British Superbike Championship today after overcoming practice crashes by both team riders.

Michael Laverty – 10th & 6th – and Alastair Seeley – 12th & 9th – battled courageously after qualifying crashes and a number of minor problems during both races, to score solid points that keeps them both in the top-10 and at the sharp-end in the Championship table as Seeley currently slots into fifth and Laverty 10th.

Relentless Suzuki's Alastair Seeley spent the weekend trying to find the correct setup and only managed 12th and 9th-place finishes

Laverty’s 10th place in race one, from row five on the grid, whilst riding around a serious rear tire problem, was a terrific performance, but his second race top-six finish could so easily have been a debut podium – losing out by 0.6sec at the checkered flag, this time from the third row of the grid.

Seeley took a gamble with set-up in race one and the series rookie battled to 12th place. For the second outing he reverted to his qualifying set-up, and although he found Thruxton a tough proposition on his full Superbike debut, ninth place keeps him well in the Championship hunt.

Michael Laverty:
“After the tire problem in race one, 10th place was a decent result considering the circumstances. Race two was much better, although I took a bit long to pass Alastair and my brother John, but my pace over the last 10 laps was the same as the leaders. With a good starting position today I could have challenged for the win, but again I can take a lot of positives from race day. We have the pace but just not the luck yet. We will regroup before Oulton with a test planned and come back even stronger. I would like to thank the whole team for their efforts this weekend; they have had to work so hard and endure a lot of setbacks.”

Alastair Seeley:
“I tried a different set-up for the first race but it didn’t work for me, so we reverted back to the old set-up for race two. It all hooked up a lot better and instead of the tire going off at half distance, we were right on the money until it deteriorated about four laps from the end. The track control works overtime around here and it’s a tough circuit to perfect your set-up on. At least we got more points in the bag and remain top-five in the Championship. Thanks to all the boys in the team as it’s been a tough weekend with all the travel problems and burning the midnight oil fixing bikes.”

Philip Neill – BSB Team Principal:
“It’s been a tough weekend for the whole team for a number of reasons, but we will take the positives from Thruxton. We haven’t come away with the results we had hoped for after a strong start on Friday, where the both boys posted top-three times, but we scored solid points today.
Both riders started the weekend with a lot of confidence but their crashes during practice set them back a bit and we also had our fair share of little problems – not least an all-night session for the boys to rebuild Michael’s bike after it’s excursion over the infamous Thruxton kerbs. With flights cancelled, Alastair also had a long drive to the circuit from Northern Ireland at the last minute, which isn’t ideal preparation, but something that couldn’t be avoided.
Michael needs a lot of credit for his efforts this weekend: He rode around a chatter problem in race one due to an out-of-balance tire, which in turn affected his grid position for race two. From the halfway point on in the second outing he showed us just why he is regarded as one of the most talented riders in the Championship, narrowly missing out on the podium.
Alastair had a Baptism of Fire on his first Superbike ride here, but it is a daunting circuit for even the most experienced riders and bike set-up is very specific. Maybe we fell into the trap of trying to find the perfect set-up but we have learned from it. I’m glad Thruxton is over and we can now focus on Oulton Park in two weeks’ time.”

Race 1:
1. Tommy Hill (Worx Crescent Suzuki)
2. Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda) +0.818s
3. Yukio Kagayama (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +1.185s
4. Stuart Easton (Swan Honda) +1.510s
5. Michael Rutter (Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati) +5.670s
6. Martin Jessopp (Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati) +7.490s
7. John Laverty (Buildbase Kawasaki) +9.154s
8. Gary Mason (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +9.300s
9. Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) +9.493s
10. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +17.014s
12.  Alastair Seeley (Relentless Suzuki by TAS)

Race 2 Results:
1. Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda)
2. Tommy Hill (Worx Crescent Suzuki) +0.391s
3. Stuart Easton (Swan Honda) +17.112s
4. Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) +7.146s
5. Martin Jessopp (Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati) +7.263s
6. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +7.789s
7. Michael Rutter (Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati) +8.241s
8. John Laverty (Buildbase Kawasaki) +10.378s
9. Alastair Seeley (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +12.218s
10. Gary Mason (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +12.240s

Relentless Suzuki’s BSB rookie Alastair Seeley posted the third-fastest time in today’s Roll for Pole qualifying at Brands Hatch, giving the current British Superstock champion a debut front row starting position for the opening race on the 2010 British Superbike calendar.

Alastair Seeley

Team-mate Michael Laverty was also well to the fore all weekend in free practice and qualifying, eventually posting the seventh fastest time, taking an equally impressive row two start for the Easter Monday season opener.

Such was the pace in qualifying today at Brands Hatch on the Indy Circuit, the top five riders all dipped inside the BSB pole time from 2009.

Alastair Seeley
“It was a good start for us today and everything was working well with our GSX–R Superbike. We are just making baby steps at the minute, but to give credit to the team, the bike was never a million miles away when we got here, as I showed by going fastest in the wet. All the data from last year has been invaluable although I could have done without the little slip off on day one – but I suppose that’s what happens at this level. I enjoyed the Roll for Poll qualifying especially the third session when I got a clear track and a new tire in and was able to pull the pin. It’s also been encouraging to see P1 on the pit board at times over the weekend, but tomorrow I’m just looking for solid finishes and some points on the board.”

Michael Laverty
“We’ve had to overcome an intermittent electrical problem with the bike cutting out which is frustrating, although I’m not too worried about qualifying seventh as we have a good race set-up. We have been good and strong all weekend but in Roll for Pole Q3 I got a less than perfect tire, which I had to come in and change. I jumped from 10th to 7th right at the end with one clean lap; if I’d been able to get another couple I know I could have shaved some more time off. Hopefully we will have the problem sorted for tomorrow and we can make the best of all the hard work.”

Philip Neill – BSB Team Principal
“No matter what happens tomorrow I think we have now established ourselves among the pre-season favorites in BSB. It was interesting to read all the pre-season hype, and to be honest, not being listed suited us just fine. We have gone about our business quietly and confidently today and while we probably slipped under the radar, we have also been very consistent from Friday. Alastair started the weekend off in fine style going almost a second quicker than anyone in the wet on his Relentless by TAS Suzuki, and both he and Michael have been well to the fore in all sessions which have produced a mixture of conditions. That’s also very satisfying. Both of our riders should be equally pleased with their work today and Suzuki has also proved the strength of the GSX–R package with two riders on the front row and four in the top eight. In saying that, the real test starts tomorrow, but both guys are good starters and we will be looking for top six finishes.”

Ian Lowry

The Relentless Suzuki team will be looking to capitalize on their recent success when the action kicks off later today at Croft for round 10 of the 2009 BSB series.

Despite recent media speculation, 2009 National Superstock Champion Alastair Seeley will remain in the Superstock class this weekend, riding his all conquering 2009 GSX–R1000. With only three races remaining in the series, Seeley is still on course for an unprecedented season-long clean sweep – having already won the opening nine races of 2009.

Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing will remain fully committed to Ian Lowry and Atsushi Watanabe in the British Superbike class for the final three meetings.

Ulsterman Lowry, proved his pedigree at Cadwell Park with a fine fourth place in the opening race at the ‘mountain circuit’ and is confident of building on that result this weekend at Croft.

Ian Lowry
“I’m looking forward to this weekend, especially as I’m now back to full fitness and feeling really good. Croft is one of my favourite circuits and I’ve had a lot of success there in my Supersport days. Our Superbike package is getting stronger as the season goes on, thanks to our team at Relentless Suzuki, so I’m confident of another successful weekend on my GSX–R1000.”

Philip Neill – Team Principal
“Alastair will continue with the Superstock class at Croft on the 2009 GSX–R1000. It was never in our plans to run a third rider in the Superbike class during 2009 as we are fully committed to Ian and Atsu; and, if Alastair could make it 12 from 12 in the ’stock class it would be a phenomenal achievement for Suzuki, Relentless and all our loyal sponsors.

“As I say, our attention and priority must remain with our current riders in BSB, but Alastair will now take in the final seven races in the Irish Superbike class, as winning that championship is also a realistic goal.

“He has been competing in selected ISB rounds on his Superstock machine so far this year, but he will be furnished with a Superbike for the final two rounds in October at the end of season Sunflower Trophy races. Our full line-up for that meeting will be announced in the coming weeks.”