Silverstone Challenge For Be Wiser Ducati
Round nine of the 2018 Bennetts British Superbike Championship season heads to Silverstone this weekend with County Antrim brothers Glenn and Andrew Irwin hoping for some good results in all three races aboard their factory-supported Be Wiser Ducati Panigale Rs.
The Northamptonshire track recently hosted the British Grand Prix, which was cancelled due to inclement weather, so BSB officials have taken the decision on this occasion to use the 1.6-mile National Circuit which has never been used before at BSB level.
That in itself presents a new challenge to teams who have little experience or data for the shorter circuit but despite that, Glenn Irwin arrives at Silverstone well placed to secure one of the remaining Showdown places which will allow him to challenge for the 2018 crown for Paul Bird’s Lake District-based team.
The 28 year old from Carrickfergus occupies third in the standings and has good memories of the venue having won there last year and whilst it’s important for him to secure the points necessary to claim his place in the Showdown over the three races, he’d like to take his first BSB victory of the season to carry momentum into the final three rounds.
Likewise, 23-year-old sibling Andrew will be aiming to get back to form after a disastrous Cadwell Park three weeks ago which saw him emerge pointless. Recent rounds haven’t gone exactly to plan for either rider, so the pressure is on to ensure both Be Wiser Ducatis are at the cutting edge once more this weekend.
Glenn Irwin: “I’m raring to go at Silverstone, for me now it’s about going out and enjoying the three races this weekend and if I do, I should score enough points to get into the Showdown. It’s been a difficult past two rounds for us, which didn’t reflect our true pace, so hopefully with some good luck we can put that right. I have great memories of Silverstone after taking the win there last year, so the plan is to do the same this year, although the new layout will be fun.”
Andrew Irwin: “Cadwell Park was my worst weekend since being given this incredible opportunity by Paul Bird and his team so I’m really looking forward to putting things right at Silverstone. It’s a slightly different track layout which looks like it’ll make some tight racing and it’s the same for everyone so that will suit me. I can’t wait to get back on track and with three races instead of two, that gives us an even better chance of a good result.”
There is live action on Eurosport and on the Eurosport player throughout the weekend with Datatag Extreme Qualifying on Saturday from 11.45 and race one from 16.00 before the remaining two Bennetts BSB races are live on Sunday at 13.30 and 16.30. Highlights on ITV4 will be shown on Wednesday evening at 20.00.
For further information, please visit the team’s website, www.pbmuk.net and the official website of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship www.pbmuk.net