Millsport Ducati’s Jakub Smrz definitely has something to smile about after he put his Panigale on pole position for the opening MCE British Superbike race at Thruxton.
It was an important milestone for the former World Superbike rider’s career. Not only was it his maiden pole in the BSB series, but it was also the first time that a Panigale has made it on to the number one spot on the starting grid in the championship.
Smrz’s best lap of 1’15.281 was a tenth quicker than Milwaukee Yamaha’s Josh Brookes and he was only four tenths off the lap record at the Hampshire track. The Czech Republic rider has not experienced a race win yet but hopes that accolade will come tomorrow.
“It feels really good and the season is new for us, and the Panigale - and we are working really hard to improve the bike. It is not everything to be pole we just need to be fast in races,” said Smrz, speaking at the circuit.
“There are some issues that need to be improved on the bike, and I really like tracks like this. We just need to keep on working and we need to be fast on the slower tracks too. Pole is important and the team have found solutions to some problems, but I am feeling good.”
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