Martin Barr, racing the team’s FC 250, had a tougher weekend in the brutal Belgian sand but typically refused to give in.
After running 12-6 for sixth overall, the Irishman kept hold of his third place in the title fight but is now 36 points off the lead.
Martin Barr – 6th (12-6):
“I was seventh in my qualifying group on Saturday morning which wasn’t so bad, I just struggled to get a clean lap in. Being out first thing in the morning on Saturday and then with our first race the last in the evening it meant the track had changed a lot but I was up for the challenge. Unfortunately, I just didn’t get a very good start – I wheelied off the grid and had to back it off. I gave myself a lot of work to do and didn’t find a good flow at all.
“With the track being so rough there were only one or two main lines so trying to pass was tough and I only got back to 12th which was frustrating. In race two I was looking forward to putting things right. I had a good start but about 10 feet out of the gate I locked bars with another rider and nearly went down so it was another uphill battle. I kept fighting the whole race and got up to sixth but it was a very disappointing weekend and I was expecting a lot more. Positives are that my bike was working fantastic so thanks to my mechanic Dan and everyone around me and Mel getting the overall was great for the team.”
Mark Yates (Team Principal):
“Our first race was at 6.45pm on Saturday and it was still something like 30 degrees. We were testing out some new stuff for next year. The bike is just so different but all the signs are very positive. I’m really pleased for the whole team – it was a solid effort from everyone so it was great that we won the team trophy too. I couldn’t be any prouder of the whole crew. Martin had some bad luck but he never gave up and battled through to the end of both races. I know he’s disappointed with his results but he’s still a safe third in the championship.”
by Sean Lawless