JG Speedfit Kawasaki’s James Ellison has had a strong start to his MCE British Superbike weekend, and has even shocked himself at just how quick he has been onboard his ZX-10R. His team have been working hard on his machine and it paid off during the qualifying sessions today. Not only did he set a time that was under lap record pace, he bagged pole position too, at the Brands Hatch Indy track.
The Kendal rider lapped a 45.310, going one-tenth of a second under the lap record set by Gregorio Lavilla back in 2007, firmly securing his place on the number one spot on the grid. The Cumbrian has been edging ever closer into lap record territory and with the track temperature on the rise this afternoon it helped Ellison break the infamous 45.4 barrier.
The ultimate goal for Ellison is to do the double tomorrow, something which has eluded him at this track, so far. But he is feeling comfortable and confident on his bike, and wants to make his consistently quick laps count during the races tomorrow.
“I felt comfortable during qualifying and we have just been making steps forward. We have come through winter testing with a good programme and I feel I am a match now for the riders in front with the extra power we have this year,” said Ellison at the circuit.
“We always have a little bit in reserve and if I am honest I didn’t think we would get pole position in qualifying as Kiyo has been really strong and I have watched his laps and he has done long consistent runs. We now need to make sure we can do the same and I will do my best in the two races tomorrow and enjoy it too.”
