Brands Hatch: Ten Kate Honda race notes

Vermeulen extends championship lead by two points. Chris Vermeulen increased the gap at the top of the World Supersport Championship with a steady sixth place at Brands Hatch. The title leader struggled for grip during the race after taking ...

Vermeulen extends championship lead by two points.

Chris Vermeulen increased the gap at the top of the World Supersport Championship with a steady sixth place at Brands Hatch.

The title leader struggled for grip during the race after taking a tyre-choice gamble that didn't pay off.

"Both myself and Karl chose a hard tyre for the race after the morning warm up," explained Vermeulen. "Unfortunately morning warm up isn't the best time to test tyres and the temperatures changed just enough for the race to make our choice the wrong choice."

It was a similar story for Karl Muggeridge who finished a creditable fourth despite suffering the same grip problems.

"The tyre was awesome this morning so we really thought it would be the right one for the race," said Karl. "I got a great start and the CBR600RR and the WP suspension were really working well and things felt good. But I soon realised we were in trouble because I just couldn't match the other guys for drive out of the turns. I worked really hard going into the turns just to try and keep position."

Although it wasn't the result he was looking for, with no Ten Kate Honda riders on the podium, Team Manager Ronald ten Kate was satisfied. "Of course I prefer to win races," he said, "but the main thing is the championship and we are still ahead even after a fourth and a sixth. We have two tests to complete prior to Assen so we'll be arriving there fully prepared for the biggest race of the year for the team, at home in Holland in front of the fanatical Dutch crowd - we're all really looking forward to it."

<pre> World Supersport Championship Round 8, Brands Hatch July 25-26-27 Race result:

 1. S. Chambon          FRA     Suzuki          31m 28.121
 2. J. VD Goorbergh     NED     Yamaha          +7.045
 3. S. Charpentier      FRA     Honda           +7.310
 4. K. Muggeridge       AUS     Honda           +10.796
 5. F. Foret            FRA     Kawasaki        +12.081
 6. C. Vermeulen        AUS     Honda           +14.390
 7. C. Kellner          GER     Yamaha          +14.509
 8. J. Teuchert         GER     Yamaha          +14.693
 9. K. Fujiwara         JPN     Suzuki          +15.360
10. A. Corradi          ITA     Yamaha          +22.659