Rutter and Ellison share Silverstone spoils
Added on Sunday, September 26th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor
Rutter and Ellison share Silverstone spoils
Michael Rutter and James Ellison grasped one win each at Silverstone this afternoon, as the title fight becomes that bit tighter.
On a day marred by the wet conditions, the championship standings are now tighter than ever, with just three races remaining. With five riders heading into Silverstone each seeking championship success it was set to be a thrilling afternoon.
As race one got underway, it was Michael Laverty wo inherited the lead as the field weaved their way into Copse corner (turn one). Josh Brookes quickly settled into second, eager to enhance his title charge, with his HM Plant Honda teammate slotting into third, until Rutter demoted him to fourth.
Determined to strengthen his title hopes, Rutter soon set about closing the gap to Laverty, and before too long he was heading the field. Keen to emulate Rutter’s performance Brookes followed him into second, leaving Laverty to settle for third.
With the top three positions all sorted the battle for fourth soon grabbed the attention, as James Ellison fought off Ryuichi Kiyonari, whilst Alastair Seeley settled in sixth. Seventh place went the way of Simon Andrews, with championship leader Tommy Hill struggling with grip to finish eighth, ahead of Chris Walker and Dan Linfoot.
Commenting on his victory, Rutter told the official BSB website: “I am happy with another win for the whole Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati team and the conditions changed so much between the first start and the restart. I just tried to stay smooth as the conditions were so difficult; I stayed calm and held it together and it was important to get some of those points back after Croft.”
The second race was a different matter, as Ellison cruised to victory after a long eight month wait to re-visit the top step of the podium.
As the race began Laverty suffered a fall at Copse corner, leaving him out of the race and also hampering his title bid. As the rain played a part yet again, Ellison overcame the difficult conditions, as Tommy Hill came to terms with a tricky getaway.
Kiyonari latched onto Ellison’s Swan Honda machine as the top two edged away from the chasing pack, however was unable to make an impression on him. Behind, the battle for third came under threat, as Brookes fought his way through to complete the podium, despite immense pressure from Seeley.
Hill enjoyed a comeback ride to finish fith, which allowed the Worx Crescent Suzuki rider to hold onto his lead at the top of the standings, whilst Dan Linfoot enjoyed a tremendous showing on his Motorpoint Yamaha to rocket through to sixth. Chris Walker, Jhn Laverty and Peter Hickman rounded out the top ten, as a number of riders succombed to the difficult conditions in the closing stages.
With just three races left to fight out the 2010 BSB championship Hill is still in control with 589 points. However, Brookes is breathing down his neck with 578 points, just ahead of Kiyonari with 574 and Laverty on a total of 570 points. It’s certainly shaping up to be a thrilling end to the season.
