Smrz out for 4 weeks after Snetterton Crash

Round 4 of the British Superbike Championship came to abrupt and for the Lloyds British Moto Rapido Team at Snetterton Circuit. A collision towards the end of Q1 of qualifying involving Jakub Smrz and the Gearlink Kawasaki rider Victor Cox put to an end to the Czech rider’s involvement in the rest of the weekend.

It was hugely disappointing after some positive tests running up to the weekend and a good pace throughout the first two days. Smrz had finished third quickest at the end of Q1 but a visit to the medical centre confirmed his worst fears, a fracture in his left hand. Further diagnosis meant that Smrz would be out for up to four weeks missing Knockhill and possibly Brands Hatch.

Smrz will undergo surgery on Tuesday on his broken thumb; no decision has yet been made on what action will be taken to replace the rider during this time.

Steve Moore – Team Manager

“We were confident of a good result this weekend we had been quick during testing here a few weeks ago and had a good pace all weekend. We also had some new parts from Ducati, a new clutch which had made vastly improved starts. Nothing passed the bike on the straights or in the brakes and we were consistently fast all weekend – the results were there for the taking.”

For the MWR Motorsports Moto Rapido Superstock 1000 team it was a better weekend with South African, James Egan taking the sole Ducati in the championship to eighth place. Egan had qualified in 9th place, his second best starting position and in the race he was to maintain that consistency picking up one more place to finish in eighth his best ever finish in the class.

James Egan

“Although it was my best result in Stock 1000 I was a bit disappointed not to finish higher. On the last lap I was pushing for fifth but then going into the hairpin I was pushed wide and lost a couple of places. Considering how little time I have had on the bike it is great to see that we are now pushing for top five finishes. It was the fastest I have ever been round Snetterton, I had the fifth fastest lap which is the highest up I have been, a fastest lap during the race so I have to be content with that. The bike is not far off perfect and I have adjusted my riding style for the Panigale so that I don’t have to think about it and it now comes naturally. I can’t wait for Knockhill!”