Eugene Laverty came away from Silverstone with his first ever pole position and two podiums, a second and third place that put him third in the standings, thanks to the difficulties that Marco Melandri encountered and the fact that his team mate and Tom Sykes decided not to throw away any points in the tricky conditions.
The Irishman will keep his place in Aprilia (Melandri is also in talks with the Italian manufacturer) if he finishes third or better in the final standings, and he is now 36 points from Sylvain Guintoli.
Eugene Laverty said, “These were two really difficult races but I’m happy with a double podium after the ups and downs in Moscow.
The riders in front of me took on a tricky track bravely and maybe in Race 2 I could have aimed for a bit of a better result since I was quite fast on the dry asphalt.
In any case I want to compliment Race Direction.
The decisions made today were perfect despite the difficulties and the riders were involved in discussions that were helpful in handling as best as possible a delicate situation like the one we had today”.
Sylvain Guintoli may not have gotten on the podium during today’s Silverstone round, but the Frenchman came away from the ninth round with some heavy points – thanks to Tom Sykes not wanting to gamble in the tricky conditions – to move further ahead in the standings.
The Aprilia rider despite his physical conditions – he may have to undergo surgery during the month long summer hiatus – was still able to take home a 4th and 6th place which will count as the season moves into its second half.
“I’m happy … that it’s over!” said a relieved Guintoli.
“Unfortunately my shoulder gave me a bit of trouble today, especially at the beginning of the race when I didn’t have any strength in my right arm.
Practice sessions don’t let you test your conditions the way 18 consecutive laps do.
I fought and pushed hard when I could, but I was careful not to take any pointless risks.
My position in the standings means that I can’t throw away races and in conditions like the ones we had today it is only normal that those with less to lose will take more risks.
When I have a clear head tomorrow I’ll think about how to continue recovering from my shoulder injury.
In the last two rounds we increased the gap despite our problems, so this is a delicate matter”.