A successful weekend for Firepower Ducati

Picture: IMAJES
By Carly Rathmell
August 1 2003

Dean Ellison exceeded all expectations at the weekend when he competed as a wildcard at the World Superbike round at Brands Hatch. He made an impressive come back, appearing under the new banner of Firepower Ducati supported by Alcatel.

Competing with the World’s elite Superbike riders, Dean had a point to prove and certainly made sure he did just that.

Dean has had six weeks off the bike and made a welcome return to racing on Sunday. Both Dean and the whole Firepower Ducati team deserve a pat on the back for their efforts throughout the weekend.

Torrential rain throughout the Friday and Saturday practice and qualifying sessions hindered the team’s progress. Dean, however, remained confident, pushing himself and his 996 Firepower Ducati as much as he dared given the appalling conditions. Qualifying 14th on the grid for the two races on Sunday was not ideal; however he was looking forward to battling his way through the pack.

Come race day and Dean was nervous yet excited about getting back out there amongst it all and racing with the World’s best. A torrid start and a gaggle of top Superbike riders blocked the road for Dean. Brands Hatch is renowned for it’s tight, narrow circuit and lack of passing places. Dean had to sit and wait behind an eager bunch of World Superbike stars before he could start picking them off one by one.

A hefty battle ensued with ex-World Superbike Champion Troy Corser on his FP1. Dicing with him for about five laps, Dean eventually got the upper hand on the Australian and managed to maneuver his Firepower Ducati around the Foggy Petronas bike.

“It’s great to be back out there again, and it was a superb feeling to be able return to racing at the largest sporting event in the UK. Firepower came to watch me at Brands and were extremely pleased with the launch of the sponsorship and the team’s results. The bike feels great and I’m really confident about going out there and fighting it out with the top guys. I didn’t get the results I wanted in race two and found it pretty tough to pass at this circuit.”

Dean achieved two creditable positions that he has reason to be proud of. 11th in the first race and 12th in the second race proved that he hasn’t lost his touch. The World Superbike series is a tough series and he has proved that he can run with the World’s best.

British wildcard Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne achieved the double victory - something that no other British wildcard rider has done in the history of World Superbikes. Proving that our British Superbike riders are at the top of the game, showing that the British Superbike Championship is one of the most competitive in the World.