Two podiums each for Christian Iddon and Ben Currie at Snetterton
As the 2024 season has proven so far… nothing is straight forward! After a very tricky Knockhill we were hoping to keep our heads low and strike off the races but maximising the points that were on offer. We knew from the off the weekend was going to be plagued with inclement weather and choices that could dictate our future.
Ian ‘Hammy’ Darbyshire reports back from Snetterton, Round 5 of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship.
Superbike
Hammy: "As the 2024 season has proven so far… nothing is straight forward! After a very tricky Knockhill we were hoping to keep our heads low and strike off the races but maximising the points that were on offer. We knew from the off the weekend was going to be plagued with inclement weather and choices that could dictate our future.
Both Chrtistian Iddon and Ben Currie had a fairly straight forward Friday although the weather was unsure of what it was doing, and became the theme of the weekend. At the end of play Ben was top of the combined sheets and Christian was 6th, but not without drama!"
Christian Iddon: "I came into this weekend confident but under no illusion how tough it was going to be. This weekend was a huge one for us at the midway point, but we did start on the back foot. Unfortunately, I had a tip off in FP3 which just came out of nowhere. It happened so fast I didn’t have time to react. By the time me and the bike were back it only left the lads 29 minutes to strip the bike, fix it and get it out for qualifying. They pulled it out the bag and I left pit lane with enough time for about 8 laps. P9 was the best I could do but the bike was back in one and we had some work to do."
Hammy: "In all honesty Race 1 saw everything thrown at us. Through making a mistake we lost time in the pits and Christian didn’t make the grid. We were absolutely devastated as the lads had worked so hard to get the bike perfect again. This meant we started from pit lane. As the lights go out all we can see is all our rivals riding away from us."
Christian Iddon: "We opted for a slick rear as starting from the back we had nothing to lose and with the track looking to dry I could try push through if it did and also set a quick time to aim for Pole in race 2. I just struggled as it didn’t dry quick enough. I was lucky to even stay on the bike. In a quick change of luck, the race was red flagged, and we had the opportunity to get things right. A quick restart saw us overtake around 10 people into the first corner and I was on the charge. We went from looking at scoring no points to taking home a P6 and incredible slice of luck.
We made mistakes and Saturday could of been fatal for us, but we managed to salvage something from the race. We certainly took a lot from that race, learnt, and formed a plan to make sure we came back stronger."
Hammy: "Race 2 saw us start from P7. The race set off with a hot pace but yet again we were seen to be playing chess with the weather. The race got stopped again and we were pulled into the pits. We were held for a short time as it became dry, we chucked in some fresh rubber and reformed on the grid. Got a great start which was ace as there was a couple of groups before the restart. We were racing hard, and places were changing corner by corner. We ended up in a great, close, and fair battle with Kyle Ryde. We were absolutely thrilled to come over the line in P3. To turn things around was so satisfying and validated the team’s efforts."
Christian Iddon: "We started race 3 from P2 wedged in the middle of the championship leader and 2nd. I just needed to get my head down and try and win. Lights went out and I got the holeshot. I set into an early rhythm and started to try stretch the group a little. Before I knew it Tommy and Glenn were on my tail and pushed me back to 3rd. I could see those two were riding amazing but crazy hard. I wanted to sit and follow but lost some pace and dropped off a little. As the fuel lightened, I started to close the gap again. I was running out of laps but gaining each time round. One lap to go and I was close enough to have a go if the right gap was there. But I ran wide as I was right on Tommy’s tail and that was it. Rolled over the line in P3. I'm happy as the weekend could have been so much worse for us. We also gained positions in the championship and left in 3rd, 17 points off P1.
Brands is a track I love and with the package we have I can’t wait to get there and see what we can do together! I just want to thank Oxford Products, the team, their sponsors, and my personal ones too."
Supersport
Ben Currie: "Snetterton was another crazy weekend really with high drama and high action, but I guess that's what it's all about when you're battling for a British title. But I'm thoroughly enjoying every challenge that's thrown my way, and I think we're dealing with it pretty damn well, both individually and as a team.
I also feel like we're currently maximising the points that we can get as well, so playing for the long game. Unfortunately, this weekend I could have had two wins, but lady luck was against us ever so slightly
The whole weekend I was on the pace from free practice, top in FP1 and top in FP2. We had really bad weather for qualifying where I managed to qualify fourth, which I felt was using my head a little bit, but also making sure that I wasn’t in the danger zone back in the pack.
The Sprint race on Saturday got going after many delays, and in and out laps, and it ended up being a shortened race at held about 6:30pm in the evening on a really wet track. But it was really cool wet race, and one I enjoyed a lot. I was battling really hard with Kennedy after not feeling the greatest in the wet on my motorcycle. But we managed to make quite a big step, which was super, super positive for me because we needed to improve this area and we took it all the way down to the wire.
But what was potentially going to be cruising home to a comfortable five second win, after Kennedy fell out of the lead right in front of me on the last lap, was not to be as unfortunately I ran into a slight mechanical issue in the last corner and my bike completely died on me. I thought that was going to be that, and zero points. But I managed to fire my bike back up and because we were so far in front, I managed to limp it across the line in second place somehow.
I felt good going into Sunday and a dry race. I knew this was probably going to be a little bit better for us, and what a race it was. It was just a back and forth battle the whole race, trying to get to the front of the race, just in case the race was stopped at any point.
After leading on and off I finally got to the front of the race with one and half laps to go and really trying to close it out to get the win but unfortunately the red flag came out because of the weather. It felt a bit premature for me, but the decision had been made. It was a bitter pill to swallow because when you get beaten on track it’s easier to take because you’ve been beaten on the day, beaten by the better man, and you go back to drawing board and try and improve and get better.
But in these circumstances, I feel like the win was taken away from me and I wasn’t able to have a chance to actually win the race, especially after being in the lead when the red flag came out, and that’s really disheartening.
But we’ll take and use that feeling to stoke the fire for the next round and try and take the wins there. The most important thing is we’ve come away from this weekend with a ten-point lead, and after trailing by nine points coming into the weekend at Snetterton, turning that deficit round is a huge positive."
A story of two tales sees Iddon finish Round 4 on the top step
“P1 feels like it’s been coming for a while but to be able to secure it and give that to the team was mega. They never give up looking for the extra bit and it’s coming together great.”
Ian ‘Hammy’ Darbyshire reports back from Round 4 of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, held last weekend at Knockhill, Scotland.
Race weekends are nearly a week for the team. Half of the team get to circuit on a Wednesday to get started. Fast forward to Saturday… our first race day! This saw Ben starting his first race in P27 and Christian in P9. The run up to this point had not been kind to us at all. This was due to lots of variables, but we were determined to put it behind us and try and be positive to secure as many points as possible.
First up was Christian. We were faced with an opening that was five laps shorter than scheduled due to some horrendous rain downpours delaying track action for over two hours. P9 and the third row meant Christian was fired up to make things right and be at the front in the first group. The lights go out and that’s what happened. A great start sees him make up places and sitting in the front group. Showing good pace with a change of set up which clearly helped us meant he could push harder. Moving further into the race the pace was dropping slightly but we were still in a position to not only secure good points but also make ground on the boys in front of us in the championship due other DNFs and rivals scoring lower points. Unfortunately Christian was taken out by another rider and that was that. We were so frustrated but knew we had another two races to try and make things right.
Meanwhile Ben found himself in unchartered territory. P27 is not a place we wanted to be especially at a track like Knockhill where the track is narrow, and the lap is short. Normally in this situation you need to pass as efficiently as possible with a bit of slip streaming and timely passing; this was not going to be the case. Last few seconds before the lights go out Team Owner Wilf’s last words to Ben were “You can’t wait or hesitate; you just have to pass as soon as you are on somebody.”
In true Ben fashion he did as he was asked. He jumped nine places into the first turn and we knew it was on. He was a man on a mission and relentless. He just kept pushing and pushing and as he made good ground on the pack, he kept getting quicker. Any other style track and he would have podiumed. We were elated to see him bring it home in P5 in class. Also, we secured Pole position with a 49.158 and an ideal time under the lap record.
As a team it had been a pretty draining few days so the lads got sorted with the bikes and Sunday prep so we could clock off and re set to give us a fresh start for Sunday’s race schedule.
Sunday morning and it’s a wet Scottish morning. Warm up sees Christian third fastest and Ben fifth fastest.
First on Sunday's action was the second Superbike race which was a 20 lap dash. 20 laps around Knockhill totals 25.33 miles which doesn’t sound much but this leaves the riders no room for error in a physical and action-packed lap. We started the race from eighth and Christian got a lightening start…
Christian Iddon - SBK (Oxford Products Racing Ducati #21)
"We have some fancy electrics which get us a mega launch as long as I do my bit right. This is a big help being confident getting off the line. Made the great start and go into the spray laced T1. The aim of this was get ahead as quick as possible. First five/six laps the bike left amazing and I was trying to form the best plan to ride on and win. Mid race distance and I lose a little rhythm with making just a couple of really small mistakes. The game plan at that point changed after Saturday’s misfortune. I knew it was a case of retaining the best points we could which was second. Five laps to go we are faced with a very small issue meaning I had to change my riding style dramatically. We just came over the line in second which in honesty was an epic result all things considered from holding my arm in worry in the gravel Saturday to now standing on the box. I left that race knowing we had some work to do with both the team and me, but I was fully motivated to hang it all out there for Race 3.
Race 3 starting from P2 on the grid sandwiched between Danny on pole and Rory on P3. Off the line and head down. My initial thoughts for the first few laps were to get out front and try and keep Rory close so I could race wise and form a plan. Rory has been so strong into the hairpin all weekend, but my bike was mega, and I out braked him and passed him without any dramas. Now It was a case of head down and control the race. For the next bunch of laps, I found am amazing feeling and was striking off the laps. Then before we knew it the track started to dry up and it was like riding on ice. I was trying my best to keep the heat out of the tyre and riding as sensible as possible, but it was impossible. Some points I could feel the tyre spinning up in fifth. I knew I had to do everything to manage my position as I now find the rear coming around on me and causing some interesting moments. Although it was a massive struggle my board was telling me the rider behind was having the same issue as the gap was managed well. I thought it was likely Tommy behind me as he’s riding so well. So, these couple points at this stage could be huge at the end of the year, so it wasn’t the time for any heroics.
P1 over the line… the first win of the year and the seventh different winner of the season in Superbike which shows how high the level is in this championship. The perfect race really, Led every lap, fastest lap of the race, and finishing on the top step!
Saturday looking back is tough to take as the way the rest of the weekend went it would of seriously hiked us back up the table. Even with all the trouble and drama we still made great ground on the championship, and we leave only 23 points off P1. It felt like one of the longest race weekends of my life. P1 feels like it’s been coming for a while but to be able to secure it and give that to the team was mega. They never give up looking for the extra bit and it’s coming together great. Next up we head to Snetterton where I’ve always gone well and the Ducati has good history so I’m excited to get back at it."
Ben Currie - BSS (Oxford Products Racing Ducati #1)
“What an absolute crazy roller coaster of a weekend! Coming into Knockhill after a few weeks off we would like to think that we would have hit the ground running a little bit better, but the weather had other ideas for us, that's for sure. Free Practice 1 and 2 were soaking wet and we struggled in the wet conditions. It’s normally one of my favourite conditions as I see it as an opportunity to get really good results against riders that aren’t as confident as me. But I just didn't have the feeling. Even so the Oxford Products Racing Ducati team and myself worked really hard to turn it around and evaluate the data after Friday's practice and put a good bike out for Saturday morning.
We knew that rain, hail or shine we were going to be a lot better and a lot closer than what we were, so I was confident going into Saturday. Unfortunately, we had a little bit of an unforeseen bike gremlin, one of the most random little mechanicals that was just so bizarre that ruled us out of qualifying. Without being able to set a lap time 27th on the grid was the best we could do. We knew the Sprint race for Saturday afternoon was going to be a huge challenge. And the race was cut short because of weather delays, so time was against us in the race as well.
However the track dried out, the sun came out, and it was a 22-lap dash for me from 27th and I managed to pick off a ton of riders to finish sixth, fifth in the class. I was honestly so happy with that recovery. The Panigale V2 was amazing. We were on lap record pace pretty much, set the fastest lap, and, having missed qualifying that weekend, I still hadn't done a dry lap! To have that sort of pace and be that strong out the box is a real credit to the team, so a huge thanks to them for that.
I started the feature race on Sunday from pole position, which was going to make life a lot easier. However, conditions were different once gain and they were really, really tricky conditions in the wet. I knew it was going to be a challenge however the boys gave me a really good bike to fight for the win and I swapped places several times with Jack Kennedy for the lead.
Jack just got the better of me at the end of the race. Lapped riders got involved and that did it for me. But I was really happy to take second and not lose too many points. It could have been a disaster of a weekend, but we fought tooth and nail for every point. I hope when we take the championship at the end of the season, we will look back at Knockhill and be grateful for what we did.
There’s obviously still a long way to go yet, I’m nine points back in the championship. But I’m so confident that we can turn things around, and we’re right there in the fight. Thanks to everyone involved, all my mechanics, the team, everyone’s working so hard. And also, thanks to my sponsors for always supporting me. We keep rolling, and now onwards to Snetterton.”
A crash at Donington Park sees Christian Iddon battle through pain, while Ben Currie now leads the British Supersport championship after another podium
After a very successful Oulton Park silverware haul, the Oxford Products Racing Ducati team were excited to head to Donington for Round 3 of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship
After a very successful Oulton Park silverware haul, the Oxford Products Racing Ducati team were excited to head to Donington for Round 3 of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship. The weekend started positive with both boys coming out the traps hot in free practice and feeling good leading into qualifying.
British Superbikes
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati #21)
"I felt really good coming into this round especially with the setup we ended up with at the Donington test. Instantly we could see how fast the pace was going to be, but we were excited and motivated to see how far we could push. This round was back to the Superpole format which isn’t a strength of mine, but I was actually excited to see what we could produce. My lap was just a bit vanilla. We were quick but just didn’t push the bike hard enough, which was on me.
Starting on the grid in P7 for race one wasn’t the end of the world though. I like it here and I’m fast here with some of last year’s best results here. The race started and I instantly felt fast. Confidence peaked after just a lap. Bike felt mega and I was thinking very early on of a strategy to give me the best chance of fighting for the win. Third race distance and I started to lose a feeling in myself but still capable of pushing on. Ticking off the laps and finding a rhythm was the plan, and before I knew it I'm in the air and had a huge crash coming out of the Old Hairpin. I tried to ride through it and nearly caught it but as I landed back on the bike the weight on my body on the bars just sent me off it again. The race was red-flagged, and I was on my way to the medical centre.
It doesn’t need saying but all the staff from track to medical were amazing as always. After lots of test and examines they were happy to keep me there for checks. We quickly learnt there were no breaks. It was a case of trying to rest and get fit for Sunday, but I was carrying heavy ankle and shoulder injuries.
Come Sunday and it was time to pass the medical, which I did ahead of warm up. I left pitlane and felt amazing but as soon as I hit Craners I could tell this wasn’t going to be easy. I was in an incredible amount of pain. We finished the session and assessed, sitting with Wilf and Hammy to form an action plan. We all reached the same conclusion. Once I passed fit to race with the medical team I knew I had the fight to give it my all and not put anyone else in danger. The rules were simple. If I felt a danger to other or myself then pull in straight away.
Race two I started from pole! This was everyone’s biggest concern. Going into Redgate injured for the first time with a pack full of talent, hunger and determination behind me was the unknown. Off the line and got the holeshot. I rode the hardest I possibly could on the day and came home in P5. I couldn’t have given anymore but it was a small token back to the team for all their efforts, and also keeping my championship fight alive.
Race three we started eleventh. Again, this was all about maximising points but a 20-lap race with the way I was feeling was no joke. Off the line and a mega start again instantly sees me in the top five. My pace became harder and harder to maintain. I was in a huge amount of pain, and it was the longest race of my life. I managed to roll over the line in ninth.
I gave Sunday everything I had. We leave Donington with lots of positives, but also a lot to review. The priority is to get some professional opinion on my situation and then do everything in my power to be fit as soon as possible. I can't thank the team and sponsors enough for the weekend."
British Supersport
Ben Currie (Oxford Products Racing Ducati #1)
“It was a scorching weekend at Donington Park. The lap times were fast and ferocious from the first session. And with the addition of a few World Supersport riders there, it was good to test ourselves against the best guys.
From FP1 it wasn't the easiest weekend for me, certainly not as easy I’d previously found to get a setting and up to speed, compared to when we were at Donington for the test earlier
in the year. The bike we had at the test, compared to what we had arriving at the weekend for the third Bennetts British Superbike round, was a fair bit different due in part to the fact we’ve had two rounds in between and a Spanish test too.
The bike’s evolved and we’ve made positive steps forward. But in hindsight the bike we had at the test far suited the Donington layout then perhaps it did at Navarra and Oulton Park. However, we were still very much in the mix, and fighting for the podium on Saturday. I managed to finish third, and importantly ahead of all my British Supersport rivals.
On Sunday after the morning warm up session, it became apparent to me that we needed to try something for the race. The team and myself worked super hard and my crew chief Steve came up with a brilliant plan to revert to a setting that somewhat resembled the test. It was quite a big change to be made ahead of the race, but one I was feeling super confident about as soon as the race took off.
I knew we'd done the correct thing, and I had way more pace and consistency, and I was able to stick in there the whole race with the best guys. Unfortunately, with a little bit of lost grip on the last two laps I slipped back from second to fourth, but nonetheless I'm very happy with my performance. Yes, it could have been better, but it could have been a whole lot worse as I was pushing very, very hard, and any potential mistake would have been very costly.
The weekend was great for the championship as I've now extended my points lead to three points at the top, and we continue to trend in the right direction. As always, I can't thank my team enough. The guys were absolutely faultless with everything. And a huge thanks goes to all my sponsors that came out to support me, it was a brilliant weekend.
We now have a few weeks off, so can recharge the batteries before we go again in Scotland when we race in the fourth BSB round at Knockhill (14-16th June).”
BSB Round 2: Oulton Park
Oxford Products Racing Ducati collect more silverware with Christian Iddon on the Oulton Park BSB podium in all three races, and Ben Currie taking a win and a second in Supersport
Oxford Products Racing Ducati collect more silverware with Christian Iddon on the Oulton Park BSB podium in all three races, and Ben Currie taking a win and a second in Supersport
Oxford Products Racing Ducati's team manager Ian ‘Hammy’ Darbyshire reports back from Round 2 of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, held at Oulton Park over the bank holiday weekend.
Sunday
Following the recent test at Oulton we stared the Sunday with a garage full of nervous energy. This was manifested due to us knowing we were still heading in a good direction, but also trying our best to keep building and not try and grab things to early. The team were composed, prepared and ready to overcome whatever the day served us.
Qualifying was a content result from both bikes in all honesty. Nothing ground-breaking, but equally a good position for Oulton as it’s a tricky place to start on the outside of the grid or mid-pack.
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati #21)
"Good first race here at Oulton Park. Managed to eat some podium pudding which the team always enjoy. The bike's been amazing all weekend which is a follow on from the work that's been done from Navarra. I feel like I'm gaining so much confidence with the bike now. The improvements the team are making are happening session on session which is making me ride better session on session. There's still more to come but we are really taking our time and trusting the schedule Wilf has built. The pace that was set today was pretty crazy but I really enjoyed the race. I thought at mid race distance I had the pace to challenge for the win as I was lapping very comfortably, but after making a mistake into Cascades it made sense just to re-group and try and smooth out my laps to bring some mega points home."
Ben Currie (Oxford Products Racing Ducati #1)
"Sprint race complete and pretty happy with starting second and finishing second. Feel like we could have got a little more from the race as the bike's feeling good. Just a small mistake from me saw me loose two places which broke my rhythm shortly. Managed to overtake Jack just before the end to come over the line in second. I also set my fastest lap on the last lap, showing that we are in a really good place in a stacked field. Can't ask for much more. The bike's working well and the team's working well. Just want to thank everyone for all the support throughout."
Monday
The main objective was to maximise the most possible points, but without detriment to fragile championship standings. So early in the season, an avoidable DNF at this stage can really hurt the team momentum and also the rider's race weekend. Morning debrief with both boys instantly proved they were ready and motivated to not only go again, but to progress on our learning from the previous track action.
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati #21)
"After yesterday's racing and a long debrief into the evening with Wilf I felt so focused and really keen to go again. Track was dry to our surprise, but the track temperature was lower than Sunday. Twelve laps here doesn’t always feel like a sprint. It’s so demanding both physically and mentally I knew I was going to be tough. Pushed through a good but tough race with Glenn really on it and controlling things from the front. Found myself in P2 for a lot of the race. Tommy managed to get past me in sector three but I felt comfy with loads of pace. Unfortunately I let the race get the better of me and missed my board, meaning I didn’t get a chance to get Tommy on the last lap and finished third. Still, to secure two consecutive podiums was an amazing result for us but more importantly I did my fastest ever lap around Oulton and qualified Pole Position for the feature pace.
Before I knew it, it was feature race time. After a schedule change and a bit break in track action due to a large incident from the BMW race it felt like the anticipation had ramped up. Me and all the team hope all riders involved are ok, and wish the injured ones a speedy recovery. Pole Position almost felt like uncharted territory for me. Even though we did manage one pole last year this was different. I was pole and knew I had the machinery under me to challenge for maximum points. The Feature Race started and I tried to stretch the race. I very quickly started to see my gap increase lap on lap. By lap five my board showed me in two groups and by lap ten, it was three groups showing just hot the pace was. The lap times the four of us (at the front (Glenn, Me, Danny, and Ryan) were doing were crazy but in the race it just felt natural. Glenn came through at around lap twelve. He tried to break the pace and he was riding very clever, to hamper my rhythm. I tried to play it cool as sector one and sector three I was strong, but respect to Glenn he was blistering through sector two which made it hard to race him in sector three as I was gaining time instead of being in a position to pass. 18 laps completed in what felt like seconds. I had a mega first sector and was touching his wheel all the way into Shell. I didn’t want to pass there as I knew he would attack back into the chicanes where he is stronger. I stayed glued to his wheel up over the hill and had a great drive. Stayed there into his shadow and tried to take first into Lodge. Both of us kept it classy and I felt our craft was amazing with nothing but respect swapped. Glenn pipped up to the line but it was another amazing podium finishing second and a great point haul for the round. This leaves us third in the championship with only a six point difference from the top. I can’t even begin to tell you how incredible the team is working. I'm just feeding on them and the bike to make me feel so happy and confident going into Donington. Thank you to all the fans for an epic weekend and supporting all of us."
Ben Currie (Oxford Products Racing Ducati #1)
"Where do I start. I felt so good on the bike from yesterday and knew we had the package to go one more today. Spent a long time with the boss last night watch the race back and being super critical of the race to really fine tune the areas we could improve. I was actually comfortable starting from P3 as it’s nice to be on the inside here. I got an amazing start and straight into turn one in first. I knew Luke had legs in this race so wanted to do some fast laps to take the pressure off the boys behind. I wanted to manage my straights if Luke passed to play the race out and wait for the perfect moment. My board changed pretty dramatically and I knew Luke was out. With that I pulled the pin hoping they would be scrapping it out behind me. My board gap kept growing and just as quickly came back down. I knew it would be Jack and he ramped up the heat with some fast lap times. I just focused on what was in front of me and got into a really nice and crazy relaxed rhythm and just pulled a nice enough gap to manage me and bike to our second win of the season. I couldn’t be happier with the race and so glad to reward the team with more silverware."
We are going to have huge ups and down because unfortunately in this sport there’s not much in-between that. But as a team to go home with six trophies from five races is testament to all the staff, sponsors, and the fans' dedication to the team. We feel a real change in energy towards the team from the fans, and we are so grateful for each and every one of you. See you all at Donington!
A rollercoaster of an opening BSB round for Oxford Products Racing Ducati
Hammy reports back on the opening Bennetts British Superbike round held at Navarra, Spain, which held plenty of highs and lows for the team.
Oxford Products Racing Ducati’s Team Manager Ian ‘Hammy’ Darbyshire reports back on the opening Bennetts British Superbike round held at Navarra last weekend.
To start we had a week of testing. In short, we found another good feeling with the Superbike and found a really impressive race pace, giving all of us confidence coming into the race weekend. Ben also had a good test on the Supersport bike. He very clearly had pace from the off being top of the sheet regularly. Although things did get a little more complicated after a crash at 156mph which put the team on the back foot. A late-night rebuild and loss of track time meant qualifying was going to be a little unknown.
Qualifying
First out was Ben on the Panigale V2. The bike went out after a short warm up and certainly not with the feeling or confidence we had before the crash. Ben found his inner dog and bit the screen on his last lap to put us P2. After such a huge crash and a bike that was built hours before the session Ben showed his class, so huge credit to him.
Christian then went out for Warm Up and instantly felt comfortable. Previous track action and good pace saw us straight through to Superpole.
Superpole
We had such good promise for Superpole. Unfortunately, Christian just didn’t have the same feeling he had on the Wednesday test, mainly down to the high track temperature. He dug deep and 10th on the grid is where we started. He clearly pushed hard as there were a few moments, but as Navarra is such a hard track to pass we knew it was going to be tough.
Supersport Race 1
Race 1 came and Ben was fired up and wanting to reward the team’s hard work from the week with a good result. Many will know the race didn’t go our way. After lots of battling and really good racing within the rest of the field we saw ourselves faced with a long lap penalty. Ben simply didn’t see his board or the race gantry. Failing to serve saw us with a ride through. Due to missing this we ended the race P2 at the flag but with the time penalty added the official finish result was P11.
Supersport Race 2
Ben’s fastest lap saw us start from P2 again. After a mega start Ben settled into what is a field full of class this year. A few laps in Ben and Stapleford clearly had the pace on the day and started to pull from the pack. Wheels to wheel, the boys swapped positions before Luke’s pace showed to be stronger. Ben looked to just settle into a rhythm and bring strong points home. But around two seconds behind, and just short of the finish line, Luke’s bike cut out meaning Ben took the win just over the line. Never the way we like to win, but this is racing, and maximum points is always the aim. But we felt for Luke as he rode faultlessly all weekend, so credit to him.
Superbike Race 1
Starting P10 on the grid here we always knew it was going to be a tall order. It’s a circuit with seven first gear corners, little room for errors, and the fastest corner on the calendar. The lights go out and Christian sets off making a good start and taking a few places, finding himself for a fair few laps fighting it out with Hickman before breaking through and settling into the race. Other than Nesbitt showing some pace behind him it was a case of bringing it home as strong as he could. P10 to P6 was actually a fantastic result which the team were very pleased with. Christian’s fastest lap however saw us starting Race 2 from 13th.
Superbike Race 2
Starting P13 was going to be a huge ask to finish at the sharp end. The lights go out and Christian gets a ‘lightning’ start. A few laps in and he’s sitting behind the front pack as seven of them breakaway from the field very quick. Front pack all hit mid race distance and the Yamahas show their strength at this circuit and start to break the pack. Christian settles and gets into his own race pace and looking really strong. With seven laps to go Haslam was in front of Christian but was looking to lose some grip, with Christian making nearly a second on him each lap. Unfortunately, we ran out of laps and Christian came home in 5th. But this from 13th felt like a top three result. Huge credit to him for never giving up. These two races showed a clear path of where the rider needs to focus, and also where the team needs to focus.
We head into Round 2 fifth in the Supersport championship, fourth in the Superbike championship, and third in the team standings.
With the winter season not only seeing huge bike development, there has also been big change with staff and structure. We are so pleased with the round, and mega proud of the team’s aptitude towards what was a really challenging week.
We left Spain ready for a couple days off but are more motivated than ever to build on the opening round and show everyone what we are capable of. Thank you to everyone for the amazing support this weekend.
Oxford Products Racing Ducati make a successful start to their 2024 BSB season at the R&G Official Test at Donington
Oxford Products Racing Ducati were in action at Donington Park over the weekend for the R&G Official Test, the first event on the 2024 calendar for the Bennetts British Superbike Championship.
Christian Iddon and Ben Currie had many new parts to evaluate on the Panigale V4R and V2 respectively. Both riders were very happy with how the team’s and their own efforts over the winter break had paid off, with all now firmly focused on the next test and opening race round, both taking place later this month at Navarra, Spain.
Oxford Products Racing Ducati were in action at Donington Park over the weekend for the R&G Official Test, the first event on the 2024 calendar for the Bennetts British Superbike Championship.
Christian Iddon and Ben Currie had many new parts to evaluate on the Panigale V4R and V2 respectively. Both riders were very happy with how the team’s and their own efforts over the winter break had paid off, with all now firmly focused on the next test and opening race round, both taking place later this month at Navarra, Spain.
SBK: Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati #21)
“First test of the year in the bag. I've been doing this a long time, but it never gets any easier. You still get the nerves, and you still get the anticipation of going out and going hard.
I've done a bit over testing over winter on a Ducati V2. They’re just as hard to ride fast as the V4, but you've got more time to work on yourself and I think it’s stood me in really good stead.
So, for the first day at Donington, instead of me trying to get myself up to speed, I felt pretty much that from first run out that we were assessing the bike straight away rather than waiting for me. I went out on last year's set up. We had all the new physical parts on but went out on last year's electronics and I was really surprised how difficult the bike was to ride, especially having been on the V2 over winter, and off the race bike for several months. It was almost like seeing it with fresh eyes and I was surprised at how difficult it was.
The boys then put the electronics package in that they've been working on over winter and instantly it just completely changed the bike. It was incredible. It's really rare that you get a moment like that, where it's such a such light bulb moment where it just flicks the switch, and the bike so much better, instantly much more rideable. It was doing things that felt more normal as a bike, and I was super happy.
The new physical components on the bike have all been really positive. We've got different fuel tank, subframe and exhaust, and it seems to have really grounded the bike on entry to the corners. So yeah, all in all it's been really, good. I've not been particularly setting the world alight in terms of times, but I feel super happy with the way the bike, team and myself are going about our business.
I've been really good later in the runs on old tyres too, which is important in this championship. If we can box off that one lap speed just for qualifying and getting towards the front to start with, then we've got all the pace, as much pace as anyone, towards the end of the race. So, a positive test. Massive thanks the team over winter. Last year was hard, but they’ve all come out swinging this year, so it should be good.”
SSP: Ben Currie (Oxford Products Racing Ducati #1)
“There are a lot of new parts that are homologated for this year on the Ducati V2, so it’s a bit like a brand-new bike. We’ve changed the bike quite a lot and I know Wilf’s put a lot of work in designing the bikes’ chassis, pre-set up if you like. There’s been a lot of months of homework and analysis to try and come here to the Donington test with a pretty good base.
The key in the pre-season was designing the package. Wilf and the guys did an amazing job on the chassis modelling program, Zero Chassis, they nailed it.
Day 1 we started off just working through the programme we planned, evaluating each separate part; what it does, the positives, the negatives. We’ve been trying to fine tune an overall package. The weather played ball, the temperature was good, so the first day testing was an absolute tick.
Going into Day 2 it was just a matter of waiting and hoping that the weather would play ball so we could pick up where we left off. Unfortunately, in the morning it was just a little bit hit and miss, with weather blowing in and even more severe wind. The wind was always going to be one of the main factors of this test, more than the temperature. But luckily in the afternoon, despite some little spits of rain, I felt we managed to piece it all together and go out there and push. It was really the first time throughout the whole test that we really dug in to try and do a lap.
But what an amazing job the team have done to fine tune the bike. We haven’t been doing massive changes during the test, but they’ve really tuned those fine details and given me the confidence to push. Even with those spits of rain and 30mph gusts we were only two tenths off last year’s pole time I did here. Hats off to the boys, our hard work has paid off over winter.
Now we pack up and head to Spain, evaluate the data, see if we can make another step, and go start the season properly.”