Speedy Smrz loses out in early laps

Being a privateer in the super-competitive Superbike World Championship is not an easy position for any rider to find himself in this season, but in terms of sheer pace few can match Czech star, Jakub Smrz.

The Pata B&G rider was fastest of all after combined qualifying in South Africa, only dropping to sixth in Superpole. In the races themselves Smrz was ninth on each occasion, and this tendency to be fast in qualifying but not replicate that form fully in races is now a frustration for the rider and team.

Said Smrz, "I made a good start in both races, but I lost a few positions in the first laps. I stayed with the leading pack, but I couldn't close the gap to the riders battling for the podium and lost ground. I'm nonetheless satisfied; we were among the fastest all weekend long. I just hope I'll be able to improve my results at Miller Park in the U.S."

Even team manager and former WSBK rider Marco Borciani tempered his post-race comments with awareness that his rider had taken two good results in a series with 14 official riders every single weekend. "Both races were wide open and the first few laps were very important," said Borciani. "The only issue I have about the race is the fact that the rider couldn't keep the door closed on his rivals. However, if we look who finished behind Smrz, I have to congratulate him."

In his WSBK career so far 'Kuba' Smrz has taken six front row starts, including one pole, but only a single podium finish, last year at Assen.