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Glenn Irwin dominates the final day of testing
On the last day of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship R&G Official Test, Glenn Irwin made headlines by breaking the existing lap record at Donington Park. Riding for Hager PBM Ducati, Irwin improved his time from the previous day by a narrow margin of just 0.007 seconds, solidifying his status as the fastest rider in the history of the Bennetts BSB at this iconic circuit. His remarkable performance not only showcased his skills but also set the benchmark for the upcoming season.
Close competition from seasoned rivals
Following closely behind Irwin was Leon Haslam, who clocked in at second place, trailing by 0.320 seconds on his Moto Rapido Ducati Racing machine. Haslam’s transition to this team has been impressive, demonstrating his ability to adapt quickly and maintain competitive pace. His commitment to mastering the Ducati has certainly paid off, as evidenced by his sub-record lap time during the test.
The reigning champion Kyle Ryde, racing for OMG Nitrous Competitions, secured the third-fastest time, just 0.075 seconds ahead of Danny Kent on the McAMS Racing Yamaha. Ryde’s performance indicates a promising start to his 2025 campaign, as he aims to defend his title in the upcoming races.
Formidable contenders shaping the season
Among the top contenders, 2022 champion Bradley Ray made his mark by finishing fifth on the Raceways Yamaha. As the team returns to the Bennetts BSB, Ray’s performance is a testament to their preparation and determination. He narrowly edged out Josh Brookes, who led the Honda charge for the DAO Racing team, placing sixth overall.
Meanwhile, Max Cook showcased his potential by finishing seventh on the AJN Steelstock Kawasaki, closely followed by Andrew Irwin from Honda Racing UK. Newcomer Scott Swann made an impressive debut, earning ninth place aboard the Send My Bag Racing by IWR Honda, while Christian Iddon rounded out the top ten, marking a successful test for multiple teams involved.
Looking ahead to the next challenges
As the teams prepare for the final pre-season test at Oulton Park on April 23-24, the stakes are higher than ever. With the competition heating up, every rider will be keen to refine their skills and strategies to gain an edge on their rivals. Irwin’s record-breaking lap adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming races, leaving fans eager to see how the competitors will respond.
Final standings from the Donington Park test
- Glenn Irwin (Hager PBM Ducati) – 1m:27.015s
- Leon Haslam (Moto Rapido Ducati Racing) – +0.320s
- Kyle Ryde (OMG Nitrous Competitions Racing Yamaha) – +0.342s
- Danny Kent (McAMS Racing Yamaha) – +0.512s
- Bradley Ray (Raceways Yamaha) – +0.587s
- Josh Brookes (DAO Racing Honda) – +0.836s
- Max Cook (AJN Steelstock Kawasaki) – +0.937s
- Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing UK) – +1.195s
- Scott Swann (Send My Bag Racing by IWR Honda) – +1.310s
- Christian Iddon (AJN Steelstock Kawasaki) – +1.352s
As the excitement builds for the new racing season, fans can look forward to thrilling performances and fierce competition from these talented riders.