British Stars Relish Donington Park Homecoming - June 22nd
| Published: 24th April 2008 15:36 |
The Losail International floodlights in Qatar last week illuminated a new dawn for the loyal and long suffering British MotoGP fans. After over three decades in the darkness at last British riders have a real chance of World Championship success.
The five heroes of Qatar are already relishing their one and only appearances on British soil this year at the British Motor Cycle Grand Prix at Donington Park on Sunday June 22.
Heading the new breed of challengers is 27 year old Yorkshireman James Toseland who made a stunning MotoGP debut in Qatar riding the Tech 3 Yamaha. The double World Superbike Champion qualified second fastest and finished sixth on his debut race almost pipping seven times World Champion Valentino Rossi on the line. By the time Toseland returns home to race at Donington at round eight of the 18 round Championship he should have the latest specification engine from Yamaha and a wealth of new experience competing against the top riders in the World - He can't wait.
"Qatar was a fantastic experience and I can't wait to return home to race at Donington in June," explained the piano playing MotoGP star. "It's a massive race for all the British riders and fans. The fans have been fantastic to me over the years and I would love to repay them with something to really cheer about at Donington."
Equally impressive in Qatar was the trio of British teenagers competing in the very competitive 125 cc class. Fifteen year old Scott Redding from Gloucester made a remarkable grand prix debut by finishing in fifth place and setting the fastest lap of the race. He missed a podium finish by just 0.1 seconds in the race to the line and like Toseland will be even quicker by the time he returns home.
One place behind him was Kent-based Danny Webb who started his second season in grand prix racing with a career-best sixth place. The unluckiest rider in Qatar was 17 year old Bradley Smith who led all practice and qualifying sessions on his Polaris World Aprilia only to be sidelined with a broken steering damper while leading the race.
"The Grand Prix at Donington is a massive race for all of us because it's the only time we race in front of the home fans, our families, friends and sponsors," said Smith, who scored his first ever World Championship points at Donington two years ago." I'm already having to play catch-up after scoring no points in that opening round and so Donington will be a vital race."
Completing the five homecoming rider will be Ulsterman Eugene Laverty who competes in his second season in the 250cc World Championship. He has a wealth of experience at Donington from his British Supersport Championship days and is looking for a good season after switching from Honda to Aprilia machinery.
Practice and qualifying for the British Grand Prix at Donington Park is on Friday and Saturday June 20/21 and the World Championship races will be staged on Sunday June 22.
Already tickets are selling fast for the biggest Motor Cycle racing event of the season in Great Britain. Fans can book by phoning 0871 230 7134 or by contacting the Donington Park website http://www.donington-park.co.uk/.
Advance Prices are as follows plus booking fee. Adult Sunday £49, Child (5-15) £12, Adult weekend £60, Child (5-15) weekend £20, Adult Saturday £25, Covered Saturday grandstand £25, Uncovered Saturday grandstand £10, Covered Sunday grandstand £50, Uncovered Sunday grandstand £30, Adult camping £25.
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