Oulton Park review - Firepower Ducati

Picture: IMAJES
By Carly Rathmell
August 17 2003

Dean Ellison and the D&B Firepower Ducati Team supported by Alcatel had a reasonable time at Oulton Park last weekend. With extreme variations in weather over the weekend throwing all the team’s set-ups out of the window.

Scorching heat on Saturday, with track temperatures reaching a massive 50°C, proved a difficult option for bike set-up and tyre choice. Just missing out on the Super 12, Dean ended up 13th on the grid for the two races on Sunday. By Sunday the heavens had opened and torrential downpours had set in, causing havoc for all teams involved.

Oulton Park being the tight narrow circuit it is proved difficult for Dean come race one. He pushed himself to a creditable tenth place, locked in a battle with Suzuki rider Dave Wood and TDB Appleyard rider Paul Young.

Just as Dean was manoeuvring his way through the field, the race was abruptly ended when Gary Mason’s Virgin Yamaha blew oil onto the track. Having completed two thirds of the 18 lap race, a result was declared and Dean’s chances of moving further up the field were dashed.

By race two Dean was keen to get himself a good start. However, he was boxed into the first corner and was fighting a battle to stay in touch with the leading group. With his head down Dean was determined to push himself hard and master his way past riders.

Finishing the race in twelfth position Dean commented, “I would have liked to have finished higher today. It’s a tough place to pass and I struggled to stay with the leading pack. It was a shame that the first race was cut so short, as I was in a rhythm and was determined to get past a few more people, which I believe I could have done. I’m confident about going to Cadwell in a few weeks, and hopefully will be able to better my positions there.”