MCRCB Back Down In Ducati Weight Row
Added on Friday, May 23rd, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Ducati will now feature at Donington this weekend
Airwaves Ducati have confirmed that they will now compete at Donington Park this weekend after the MCRCB backtracked on its decision to invoke a 10kgs penalty.
The British Superbike constructor’s championship leaders had withdrawn from the event amid safety concerns over an unprecedented 10kgs weight penalty.
The team argued that asking the team to go straight into competition without the opportunity to test the bike with the added weight, would put their riders at risk.
But the MCRCB have managed to reach a compromise with team bosses late last night and now the Airwaves Ducati bikes will practice and qualify with the added 10kgs but will race with just a 5kgs handicap - the standard weight penalty in World Superbikes competition.
Team principle Darrell Healey said: “It has been a very busy week for GSE Racing off the track! I am delighted to confirm that as a result of the amendments to the MCRCB Bulletin 2008/6 addressing the teams safety concerns, Airwaves Ducati will be in a position to compete this bank holiday weekend in round 4 of the British Superbike Championship.
Donington Park has to be one of GSE Racing’s favourite circuits; not only is it an exciting track for the Airwaves Ducati but we have achieved fantastic results there in previous seasons and we look forward to continuing that this weekend.”
NW200 Ducati team bosses, who would have also been hit by the weight penalty, have also confirmed that they will compete this weekend.
