Second place and more podium points for Iddon at Thruxton

VisionTrack Ducati’s Christian Iddon was back on the podium at Thruxton today after finishing second in the opening British Superbike race at the Hampshire circuit.

Iddon had lined up in fourth for the 15-lap race, which saw the red flag come out on the opening lap after Joe Francis (iForce Lloyd & Jones BMW) and Kyle Ryde (Rich Energy OMG Racing BMW) crashed out, with the action paused for a couple of laps. 

As the safety car came in Iddon was running in fourth but he was soon past Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing) for third, and on the hunt to chase down race leader Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) and Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW).

Iddon passed Hickman into the chicane to start his penultimate lap in second, only for a second red flag to come out after Honda Racing’s Glenn Irwin crashed out unhurt with his bike left on the track. The race was called with O’Halloran winning, Iddon second, and Hickman completing the podium. 

Josh Brookes’ return to form is still to come, with the VisionTrack rider starting his race from 20th, crossing the chequered flag outside of the points in 17th.

Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) went the wrong way in setup for qualifying which resulted in a low 18th grid spot. But in typical fashion, Bridewell made up several positions throughout the race to finish tenth.

O’Halloran’s win sees Iddon’s championship lead over him now reduced to just a single point. Iddon will start tomorrow’s first race from 4th on the gird once again, with Bridewell and Brookes both improving their grid slots in 15th and 18th respectively.

Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati #21) – 1st
“I‘ve always had pace around Thruxton, being quick around here has never been an issue but being able to manage a tyre has always been a pain in my posterior. I tried to manage that race as best I could. I’m not surprised, but really happy to finish that race in second. That was a good race for us. I’ve been nervous even in the run up to this weekend so great job by the team. We’ve only stuck to one plan and that is to try and make a tyre last. It was shortened, but I think we did a good a job as we could have done. Five more laps tomorrow is a lot. But the pace in that race was hotter than I expected. I don’t think the long race will be quite as fast but then again, BSB everyone goes clean nuts anyway so it probably will be quicker!”