Brands Hatch BSB: Airwaves Ducati wary of first weekend form

Airwaves Ducati Team Manager Colin Wright told MCN he’s happy with how things have gone so far in testing and the first day of the opening race weekend at Brands Hatch, but he isn’t confident for the championship just yet.

After the second practice session, topped by Shane Byrne with a 1.26.657, Wright told MCN: “I’m confident we’ve achieved what we set out to achieve but we’re not confident for the championship yet.

“For the past two years we’ve come away from the first round leading but ended up not winning the title.

“We’ve only had two free practice sessions but Shane looks to be the bookies favourite for this weekend.”

And Wright paid testament to how good the 1098F08 has been without having to make many modifications to the bike at all.

“The bike now isn’t dramatically different to what we wheeled out at Almeria – it’s proof that Ducati has done a good job to make a race bike.”

The Airwaves Team Manager also confirmed Leon Camier’s shoulder is not broken after his testing crash at Calafat.

“The X-ray showed no breaks or fractures. The tendons and ligaments between the collarbone and shoulder joint are swollen to the point where it hurts when he lifts his arm up.

“He’s 75 per cent fit but he’s getting vital points for the team and is up there with Karl Harris and Michael Rutter behind the Honda’s and Shane.”