Brendan Roberts

Automotodrom Brno (Czech Republic), Sunday 20th July 2008 – Brendan Roberts (Ducati Xerox Junior Team) and his 1098R now lead the World Superstock 1000 championship after the young Australian rode a gutsy race to take a second place finish. Domenico Colucci completed his race in the points zone, in eleventh position.

Roberts rode perfectly, navigating his way through a technically very challenging race. Fifth at the end of the first lap, he was trapped in the chasing group, which became a battle won by Berger as he began to get away. The confrontation with Polita, Antonelli and Simeon was difficult and meant that the riders were asking a lot from their front tyres. Despite a lack of grip at the front, Brendan prepared himself for the final push to complete a faultless last lap. Roberts is the new championship leader.

BRENDAN ROBERTS – “I knew that it would be a difficult race, and due to my bad start Berger was able to get away from me and the fight I was caught up in with Simeon, Polita and Antonelli meant that I lost some valuable time. From mid-race the front tyre began to suffer but I maintained my concentration in preparation for the final laps. On the last lap I was careful not to make any errors and took a precious second place finish. I leave Brno as the championship leader, a great satisfaction that I want to share with the team because they worked really hard all weekend.”

Domenico Colucci didn’t manage to perform as he had during the practice sessions. The Italian rider made a bad start and immediately lost several positions. It was therefore impossible to break into the front half of the field due the sheer number of riders in the pack. Domenico finally got past a few riders to take eventual twelfth place.

DOMENICO COLUCCI – “I am disappointed and really hoped for a better outcome. Unfortunately I made a bad start and was then forced to run quite wide on the first curve, an error that meant several riders got past me. There were so many of us that it was difficult to make passes. At the end of the race my pace had picked up and I began to catch up a few places which allowed me to earn a few more championship points. I hope to be able to repay the team with a good run at Brands Hatch.”

Race result
1.M.Berger (Honda) in 24’58’’402 at an average of 155,772 km/h; 2.Brendan Roberts (Ducati 1098R Xerox Junior Team) 3’’043; 3.A.Polita (Ducati) 3’’100; 4.A.Antonelli (Honda) 3’’367; 5.X.Simeon (Suzuki) 5’’709….12.Domenico Colucci (Ducati 1098R Xerox Junior Team) 20’’959….

Championships points
1.Brendan Roberts 96 points; 2.X.Simeon 95; 3.M.Berger 84; 4.A.Polita 83; 5.M.Pirro 73…14.Domenico Colucci 18….

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