Iddon Wins Again At Brands Hatch
Christian Iddon and the FUCHS SILKOLENE backed VisionTrack Ducati team got back to winning ways in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch today with the Tyneside-based rider taking victory in a hectic seven-lap dash which, together with fifth place earlier in the day, consolidated his lead in the title standings.
There was further joy for Paul Bird’s Penrith-based squad when Iddon’s team-mate and reigning champion Josh Brookes took fifth place in the second race to record his best result of the season so far.
Saturday’s results meant Iddon started from the front row for the first 20-lap race with Josh having a bit more work to do from the fifth row on the factory-supported VisionTrack Ducati Panigale V4RR. However, it proved to be a challenging race for both riders with Christian starting strongly but slipping back to fifth at the chequered flag and Josh running into the gravel at Westfield. He managed to rejoin the track but could only manage 18th.
The final race of the weekend started with a damp track but with a multitude of tyre choices across the field, Josh starting with full wets and Christian fitting a slick rear and intermediate front highlighting the mix.
Australian Brookes surged into the lead before Danny Buchan moved ahead of him but as the race wore on, the track dried and Iddon moved ahead of his team-mate to take second at half race distance. However, shortly afterwards, the red flags were out after Gino Rea’s Suzuki expired in a plume of smoke across the start and finish.
Re-started over just seven laps, slick tyres were the order of the day with both Paul Bird Motorsport riders on the front row and, as expected given the short distance, it was a hectic affair from start to finish.
Disappointed with the earlier stoppage, Iddon was clearly fired up and his intentions were clear as he took the lead early and withstood significant pressure from, amongst others Danny Buchan and Tarran Mackenzie, to claim his second win of the season.
Bedfordshire-based Brookes looked on course to join him on the podium when he took third on the fourth lap but a tough move by Jason O’Halloran saw him pushed wide and lose ground although he was still able to take a fine fifth place at the end to further boost his confidence.
