Eighth Place For Hickman At Donington Park

The Smiths Racing BMW team got their 2018 Bennetts British Superbike Championship campaign underway at Donington Park this Easter weekend and although inclement weather conditions affected the entire three days and made it tough for the Gloucester-based team, Peter Hickman was able to give them a solid result of eighth place in the opening race aboard his Smiths Racing BMW1000RR.

After challenging conditions in both free practice and qualifying, which saw new signing Sylvain Barrier come to grief at Craner Curves, Hickman lined up in eighth place on the grid for yesterday’s opening 20-lap race with former FIM European Superstock 1000 Champion Barrier back in 17th place and the sixth row.

Temperatures were still very low when the race came under starter’s orders at 4.30pm but it was at least dry although there was drama for Frenchman Barrier when he had to start from pitlane and dead last whilst Hickman was able to complete the first lap in tenth place.

The Louth-based rider remained in the top ten for almost the entire race distance and in the second half, he was able to overhaul Danny Buchan, Michael Laverty and Leon Haslam to claim eighth place and with it, eight hard-earned points. Barrier, meanwhile, caught and passed no less than eight riders to finish in 19th place.

The second race was scheduled to take place today on Easter Monday, but torrential rain placed it in doubt and there was no track action at all until just after 1.30pm. However, the rain eventually relented, and a full race took place at 4.30pm although it wasn’t a memorable race for either rider as Hickman crashed out of 12th place on the final lap and Sylvain’s choice of intermediate tyres, as opposed to slicks, kept him back in 18th.