An unpredictable and exciting Saturday afternoon of the British Superbike at Knockhill. For different reasons. First of all due to the typically English weather, with a violent storm hitting the facility on the outskirts of Edinburgh which revolutionized the day’s programme. The outcome of Race 1, which started more than half an hour late and was shortened from 30 to 25 laps, was followed by many shocks and twists. On the asphalt which was now almost completely dry, the reigning champion Tommy Bridewell monopolized the scene, celebrating the 16th victory of his career in BSB. The first along the 2,046 km of the “short track” Scottish as well as with Honda Racing UK colours. A no less important victory which allows the current number 1 to close in on the championship leadership of former teammate Glenn Irwin. Big loser of this premiere heatbetrayed by a technical problem.
RACE 1 POSTPONED
The wait for the first of the three challenges of the Knockhill weekend was to all intents and purposes endless. Thanks to a violent downpour of water that flooded the track in the middle of Race 1 of the British Sportbike (later won by Richard Cooper with our Edoardo Colombi 4th). If in the meantime the rain had given way to a timid sun, thus allowing the track to dry and the drivers to mount the slicks, once they started the race soon took on a precise physiognomy: the poleman Tommy Bridewell in the breakaway, the opponents in trouble to chase.
TOMMY BRIDEWELL’S FIRST WITH HONDA
Despite the asphalt still not being in perfect condition when the traffic lights went out, Tommy Bridewell did not hold back at all. Having maintained the holeshot on the descent of the Duffus Dip, immediately making a clear selection over his closest pursuers at the end of the first pass, from that moment on he made a gap and found himself on lap 18 with a full 7 second lead. At the end of the race he expertly managed tires and energy, breaking the lead once and for all “Knockhill taboo”. Upon returning to the top step from Oulton Park 2023, TB1 gets its first hurray on the CBR 1000 RR-R. Motorcycle restrained “unripe” until last year, but which in his hands seems to have made the final leap in quality.
GLENN IRWIN KO
The party at Honda Racing UK was enhanced by the third place of a rediscovered Andrew Irwin, who took his first podium of the season after a problematic period with injuries and results below expectations. For Havier Beltran’s team a double on the podium is expected from Brands Hatch 2022. When Andrew himself scored a peremptory 1-2 together with his brother Glenn. Speaking of GI2, an (apparent) engine problem forced him to retire. A series of white smoke coming from the rear of his Panigale V4 R invited the Hager PBM Ducati rider to enter the pit lane on lap 22 of 25. A very heavy zero which favors the rapprochement of Bridewell and Danny Kent (7th) at -4 behind Josh Brookes), with Kyle Ryde (4th ahead of Jason O’Happelloran) a little further behind at -8.
TOMORROW IT WILL BE REPLAYED
In all of this, local idol Rory Skinner (2nd with Cheshire Moldings TAS BMW) made his proverbial riding skills count on his home track, achieving his first podium since returning from his two-year experience in the Moto2 World Championship. Tomorrow we repeat with the remaining two races. An opportunity for redemption for many expected protagonists: Leon Haslam (only 10th), Christian Iddon and Ryan Vickers (who crashed due to a contact while chasing the podium), but also Peter Hickman (who retired due to a technical problem at FHO BMW #60).
BRITISH SUPERBIKE 2024 KNOCKHILL – RACE 1 RESULTS:
