Monday 23rd March 2015

WSB Thailand: PH2

A new circuit for the 2015 WSB season, but the same familiar names on the podium

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Round two of the 2015 WSB season saw a new track as the riders lined up on the Buriram circuit for the first ever Thai WSB race. Would the action be as hectic as in Phillip Island where Jonathan Rea and Leon Haslam each took a win? Or could Tom Sykes put his Kawasaki on the top step? If qualifying was anything to go by, it looked very much like Rea and Haslam were going to be battling again, but could Alex Lowes' Suzuki stay trouble free long enough to allow him to give them a run for their money?

Rea looked fast from the get-go...

Race one and Rea got the holeshot and looked ominously fast as he gapped the chasing pack of Skyes, Haslam and Davies while Camier's MV gave up the ghost on lap two.

Mid-race and Rea as still leading the way however Haslam was now cutting the gap and behind him Alex Lowes was in third and looking strong while Davies tipped off and dropped down the order. Sadly for Suzuki, a few laps later, Lowes' podium challenge ended when he also fell on the same bend as Davies.

In the end, Rea took a far more comfortable win than his one in Australia with Haslam just ahead of Sykes and Torres.

... and took two comfortable wins

Race two and it was more of the same as Rea made a great start and cleared off while behind Lowes and Haslam did their best to assist Rea's escape plan! Another crash saw Davies drop down the order (those poor marshals are still clearing grit out of their eyes...) while by mid-race it looked very much like a repeat of the first race as Rea was the clear leader. Sure enough, Rea took the win with Haslam second and Lowes a well deserved third.

Over in World Supersport, the Brit pair of Gino Rea and Kyle Smith didn't have a great round with Smith crashing out and Rea finishing tenth. The race was won by Thai rider Ratthapark Wilairot to the delight of the crowds.

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Results:

Race 1:
Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team)
Haslam (Aprilia Racing Team - Red Devils)
Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team)

Race 2:
Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team)
Haslam (Aprilia Racing Team - Red Devils)
Lowes (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki)

Brit watch:

Leon Haslam (Aprilia) - 2, 2
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki) - 1, 1
Tom Sykes (Kawasaki) - 3, 5
Alex Lowes (Suzuki) - 6, 2
Chaz Davies (Ducati) - 11, 15
Leon Camier (MV Agusta) - DNF, DNF
Gino Rea (Honda WSS) - 10
Kyle Smith (Honda WSS) - DNF

[JimbobVFR]

Not as exciting as the last round but still nice to see so many Brits at the front, especially my own favourite of Leon Haslam, I am biased as we share a surname and are quite likely distantly related.

Still any bike racing is better than none.

[Gibbo998]

The new Chang circuit is a great spectator venue, as the whole track can be seen from the grandstand, so you watch the whole race unfold. Great facility, but they have a lot to learn running an International event. No water or beer available after about midday, and this is in 33 degree heat.
All the bars and food vendors just ran out! WTF!
The circuit is sponsored by Chang, the biggest beer company in Thailand.
How can they run out at event like this?
Was it worth riding 600 kilometres to see.....most definately yes. I will be back next year, but hope the organisation improves.