VOL. 54 ISSUE 8 FEBRUARY 28, 2017 P67
started race two from pole, under
the new regulations for 2017.
The warring factions included
fifth-place Leon Camier (MV
Agusta Reparto Corse) in race
one, and the on-track excitable
but highly potent Spaniard Xavi
Fores (Barni Racing Ducati). It
was a remarkable run both times
from Fores, who in the new pro-
Behind the podiums, but only
1.082 and 0.956 behind the
wins, was the rejuvenated com-
bination of Alex Lowes and his
Pata Yamaha. A winter of graft
and redesign from the team, and
injury-free preparation for Lowes
saw them work away to more than
respectable fourth-place finishes
in each race. Lowes had even
(Above) Rea (1) leads a close
following of Marco Melandri
(33), Chaz Davies (7), Xavi Fores,
Alex Lowes (22) and Sykes. It
was this close in both races all
the way to the flag. (Top right)
Lorenzo Savadori (32) showed
flashes of brilliance but crashed
out of race one. Nicky Hayden
(69) had an abysmal weekend
and crashed out of race two.
(Right) Josh Brookes (25) rode
his 2015 British Superbike
Championship-wining Yamaha
as a wildcard and took home
a DNF in race one but an
impressive 12th in race two.
