More pics, this time from the ninth round of the WSBK Championship at Donington Park.

WSBK Donington Images

Continue reading: WSBK Images from Donington Park

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Today’s ninth round of the WSBK Championship at Donington Park saw Ben Spies take both races and is now just 14 points behind World Superbike Championship leader Noriyuki Haga.

Ben Spies, (1st, 1st)

“It was a picture perfect weekend. It was a tough race, Max was there the whole time but we were able to do quick laps to stay ahead, the last three laps I rode as hard as I could just to make sure of the win. In the second race I knew Nori had a big crash and I hope he’s ok. It’s not the way we want to win it but you have to take the points when you can. It was a good second race for us though. The track was hot and a bit slick so we made some changes to the bike which made it better from race one. It was a good job for Leon, getting on the podium at his home round was great, I know how that feels. It was tough being out on my own, I had to focus lap to lap to make sure I didn’t make any mistakes. I can’t thank the Yamaha guys enough we changed a lot of things around and they came and delivered me two really good bikes to win on.”

Max Biaggi (2nd, 21st)

“During the second race, I felt the vibrations a lot more. It was probably because of the fact that there wasn’t as much grip on the track which would also explain why there were so many falls. I started off well and I was able to keep up with Spies’ pace, but during the fourth lap I entered the U turn the same way I always do and about halfway through, I lost the front tyre. I managed to keep the motorcycle running, but re-entering from outer kerb area, I was hit by another driver and ended up with this minor injury to my foot. I’m disappointed because I could have had another spot on the podium.”

Noriyuki Haga (3rd, DNF)
Race 1: ”

I’m very happy to have made the podium today because we knew it would be a very difficult weekend. I am proud to have reached the 100 podium mark! At the start of Race 1 I did all I could to stick with Max and Ben but, even though I was pushing, today they seemed to have a small advantage and I was unable to do better than third.”

Race 2: Haga, after today’s accident, was unavavilable for comment at time of print.

Continue reading: WSBK Donington - Final Rider Quotes

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Ben Spies has set his eighth World Superbike pole position of the season at Donington Park this afternoon after doing a 1:29.846 to best Aprilia’s Max Biaggi’s 1:30.080.

Spies timing was perfect because a light rain began to fall towards the end of the session and preventing the other seven riders that made it through to final stint to try to better their times on slick tires on a slippery track.

Aprilia’s Max Biaggi’s 1′30.080 couldn’t be bettered and will start second on the grid, and Sterilgarda Ducati’s Shane Byrnes did two flying laps, which got him third on the grid. The final place on the front row went to Biaggi’s team mate Shinya Nakano.

The second row sees the two Xerox Ducati riders, Michel Fabrizio in fifth and Noriyuki Haga sixth. Carlos Checa and Guadalini Ducati’s Jakub Smrz will round out the second row.

After the jump Superpole results.

Continue reading: WSBK Donington - Spies on Superpole

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