After a disappointing result last time out at Donington Park where even the World Superbike regulars struggled with the conditions, Gareth Jones and Matt Bond of MIST Suzuki are now looking forward to the penultimate European Superstock round at Magny-Cours.
With each rider consistently making up considerable ground from the qualifying place to race result, the team has been showing great potential. Hampered by suspension problems and bad weather recently, both riders made great progress during testing at Brands Hatch and hope to continue this good run in France.
The wet weather and slippery surface at Donington meant Matt didn’t qualify after crashing out, and Gareth didn’t classify after sliding out of 16th place in the race. However, at the previous race at Brands Hatch, Gareth finished 11th and Matt 22nd in changeable conditions, both having made up a significant number of places over qualifying.
Testing at the Champion of Brands meeting recently was a positive step. Despite the race being cut to six laps, both riders performed well and the team gathered useful data on the new fork configurations being tested.
Gareth held off Steve Mercer, a British SuperStock regular, for most of the race, eventually opting to play it safe and take the final step of the podium with 3rd place. Matt was comfortably in 4th position until an issue with an after market brake lever caused him to drop back a couple of places, finishing 6th.
Mike Edwards, Team Manager
“Both Matt and Gareth achieved positive results during Brands
testing, even though the session was cut to six laps. Now we just
need some consistent weather to allow us time to set up the
suspension after recent fork changes, using the data we’ve collected.
Both riders were quicker than former F1 star Michael Schumacher who
was testing at Magny-Cours alongside us, so we are looking forward to
the race.”
Gareth Jones
“I managed a great 9th place at Monza earlier this season and 11th at
both Brands and Brno. I’m confident about Magny-Cours, especially as
we’ve already tested at the track this year.”
Matt Bond
“This season has been tough so far. During pre-season testing, I was
fighting hard against Leon Haslam, but things have been so-so since
then. I’m carrying a shoulder injury from Monza, which is still
causing problems now. Onwards and upwards.”
