Haga's weird lines hampered

Everyone knows fans’ favourite Noriyuki Haga takes some of the wildest lines in World Superbikes – and today they saw him end the first day at Doninton Park well down the order.

Haga’s double win at Donington in 1998 as a newcomer to the series saw him leave an indelible mark with fans. And expectations prior to this weekend have been sky high with Yamaha reporting major progress with electronics settings for its riders.

But with the two sessions today both being hampered by bitterly cold and wet or damp conditions, Haga found the lines he takes going into turns – usually so effective for the Japanese star – were leaving him unable to ‘hit’ the narrow yet critical dry line that appeared midway through afternoon qualifying.

Haga, eighth fastest and 2.2s off Troy Bayliss’ best time, said: “The day went OK. But I am further back from where I know I can be because of the lines I use.

“There was a small dry line late in the session, and I could see that everyone was taking wider lines to me so my lines weren’t drying out, and I was on wet track going into turns for most of the lap.

“We expect conditions to be better tomorrow, so I am confident I can be much closer to the front.”