Imola October 2006


Sunday 1st October 2006

EMS Racing in the Points at Imola

EMS Racing worked hard to secure valuable championship points in the ninth round of the European Superstock Championship at Imola in Italy this weekend. Riders Sheridan Morais and Mark Pollock overcame their lack of track knowledge, in comparison to their rivals, with both riders improving on their qualifying positions to secure 15th and 24th spot respectively in the action packed 12 lap race.
 
After qualifying in 16th spot Sheridan made a strong start and moved up into 12th place on the opening lap. He quickly settled into a good rhythm and looked set to catch the five rider battle for seventh place in front of him but as the race progressed Sheridan began to fade and despite his determined efforts dropped to 15th place at the finish.
 
“That was a tough one. I felt good at the start and thought I’d be able to get in amongst the group in front but I was unable to put in the lap times. When the tyres were new I felt comfortable, but as the grip went off I just struggled which is really disappointing.” explained Sheridan.
 
“Now my focus is on Magny Cours next weekend. We managed to get a few laps around the track last week and although it was wet at least I know the track layout.” He continued.
 
Mark Pollock bounced back from a tough weekend last time out at Lausitzring in Germany to make good progress throughout the three day Imola meeting. In each session Mark’s confidence grew and he was able to improve his lap time and ended up qualifying in 30th place on the 38 strong grid. In the race Mark made a good start which saw him climb as high as 23rd on the opening lap, but a big high side, which he was able to save caused him to drop down the field.
 
Mark was looking comfortable holding 25th spot but a near identical moment in the same corner saw him nearly lose control of the EMS Racing Suzuki and drop another four places before fighting his way back to 24th spot at the finish.
 
“After Germany I felt that we made good progress here at Imola. I’m happy enough with the result and I feel that I’m riding better. The two big ‘out the seat’ moments cost me a lot of time and places but it was good to get a solid finish.” said Mark.
 
The final round of the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup takes place at Magny Cours in France on 6th to 8th October 2006 where the EMS Racing team will be aiming to secure more championship points.


Saturday 30th September 2006

Tough going for EMS Racing at Imola

The two man EMS Racing team put in a solid performance during qualifying at the spectacular Imola circuit in Italy today. Riders Sheridan Morais and Mark Pollock finished in 16th and 30th place respectively for Sunday’s 12 lap race despite never racing at the track before. This lack of track time proved to be a disadvantage especially as most of their rivals had raced at the circuit last weekend when they competed in a round of the Italian championship.
 
Onboard the EMS Racing Suzuki, Sheridan Morais quickly got to grips with the undulating Imola circuit and was able to improve his lap time every time he went out on track. After finishing first qualifying in 13th place and then improving to 11th in the morning Free Practice, Sheridan and the team were confident of an even better result in the final session. Unfortunately an increase of track temperature affected the set-up of the bike, which made it hard for Sheridan to improve his lap time. With ten minutes to go the team fitted a new tyre but because of the temperature increase it didn’t give the grip benefits expected and Sheridan slipped to 16th place.
 
“After the start we made,  it wasn’t the plan to drop down the field. I ended up going quicker in the final session but not by enough, which is disappointing. We made changes to the bike before the session, which we thought would work, but with the track hotter I just didn’t have the grip I needed. I thought that once I got a new tyre the set-up would feel better, but it didn’t make the difference we expected.” explained Sheridan
 
“I’m starting from the fourth row, which will make it tough, but I’ve done that before. My plan is to try a couple more things in warm-up and if they work I should have a good set-up for the race when the temperature is cooler. I want to get through the group in front as quickly as possible and try to tag on to the leaders. Overtaking around this track isn’t easy but there are places to pass and I’m confident I can find them.” he continued.
 
Like his team mate, Mark Pollock made good progress throughout the two days of practice and qualifying and improved on his lap time every time he went out on track. After a tough weekend last time out at Lausitzring in Germany, Mark looked much more confident on the EMS Racing Suzuki and ended the day in 30th place.
 
“I’m happy enough with the result. I was actually on a quick lap in the final session but I got baulked by another rider so wasn’t able to improve. The times are really close and less than a second will put me up two rows. I’m looking forward to the race and feel that I can improve again tomorrow. The bike is working well and I feel like I’m riding better.” said Mark.
 
Sunday’s 12-lap race of the 4.959KM Imola circuit takes place at 10.40am with the weather forecast warm and sunny.