Linfoot crashes out of contention at Macau
15-11-2008
42nd Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix
Saturday 15th November 2008
Weather: Dry, sunny, 24 degrees
Dan Linfoot saw his dream of a podium finish in his first ever Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix end after crashing out on the opening lap of the 15-lap race, breaking his left collarbone in the process.
Dan had made a strong start onboard the Rob Mac Racing Yamaha and was battling with Supersport pole man Keith Amor along the sixth gear straight when he lost control under braking for the tight first gear Lisboa corner. In the crash Dan unavoidably collided with New Zealand rider Bruce Anstey and German Rico Penzkofer, but fortunately neither rider was hurt.
Dan however was taken to hospital in central Macau for x-rays where a clean break of his left collarbone was diagnosed. The 20 year old is due to return to the UK at the beginning of next week where he will have the broken bone plated to ensure a strong and quick recovery.
"It's so frustrating and I'm gutted for myself and the team. In every session since I arrived I got quicker and I really thought we were going to be able to run at the front today." said Dan.
"I made a good start and was up there fighting with the Superbikes. I got level with Keith (Amor) on the long straight and thought I could pass him. I braked where I had been during qualifying, but because I was on an inside line I just couldn't get the bike stopped in time. I collided with Bruce (Anstey) and Rico (Penzkofer), which unfortunately ended their races." he explained
"On the plus side at least it's the end of the season so if I had to break something; I guess now is the right time and not the middle of the year. This is the first major bone I've broken in my body during my entire racing career, but I've got time to rest now so I'll be back to full fitness and ready for next season no problem." he concluded.
The Superbike race was won by Stuart Easton (Honda) second was Michael Rutter (Ducati) with John McGuiness (Honda) in third.
Television coverage of the race can be seen on Motors TV on Sunday 16th November from 14.00 UK time.
Linfoot claims impressive third in final qualifying at Macau
14-11-2008
Dan Linfoot continued his steep and impressive learning curve at the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix today to secure the third fastest lap time in Supersport 600 class. Onboard the Rob Mac Racing Yamaha R6, Dan slashed nearly two seconds off his day one lap time with a 2m 34.891s best. The constant improvements have seen the 20 year old climb ever closer to the fastest men, proving his abilities to learn fast and to work with the team to continually better the bike.
Following Dan's front running performance, the Macau rookie was invited to the pre race qualifying press conference to reveal how he had got on the pace so quickly. The Harrogate rider was also given a vote of confidence in his first ever road race by Isle of Man TT legend John McGuiness. During final qualifying McGuiness spent two laps behind Dan and at the end of the session made the time to come over and tell Dan that he was riding well and that he looked smooth and controlled.
With qualifying now over, Dan has just tomorrow's warm-up session before heading into the 15-lap race where he intends to continue to improve his pace and fight for a podium finish in his first ever Macau Grand Prix.
"I've had another really enjoyable day and I'm well chuffed to drop two seconds off my lap time." said Dan
"I need to find a bit more time to get on level terms with the pole man Keith Amor, but I'm closing in on him all the time. I'm finding that every time I go out I'm learning and that could be a new line or a new bump I have to deal with. The great thing about the Rob Mac team is that we can see if things I'm trying are working because at the end of the session we sit down and look at the data to see where I can improve."
"I'm looking forward to tomorrow and as we've seen from this year in the European Superstock championship, I'm generally faster in the race than I am in qualifying. It would be great to try and come away with a top three finish in the 600 class, that would be a great way to give something back to the people that are supporting me." he concluded.
The 42nd Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix gets underway at 15.15 local time on Saturday 15th November. Television coverage of the race can be seen on Motors TV on Sunday 16th November from 14.00 UK time.
Linfoot secures fourth first time out at Macau Grand Prix
13-11-2008
42nd Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix. First qualifying.
Thursday 13th November 2008
Weather: Dry, sunny, 25 degrees
Dan Linfoot made an impressive debut performance racing at the 42nd Macau Motorcycle GP today. The 20 year old riding the Rob Mac Racing Yamaha Supersport 600 R6 exceeded all expectations by qualifying fourth in the 600cc class and 20th overall despite being up against road riding legends including John McGuiness and Michael Rutter riding full blown Superbikes.
In warm sunny conditions, Dan spent the entire 45 minute opening practice session on track, putting in laps in an effort to understand the long 3.8 mile public road circuit located in the Portuguese colony of Macau. Despite it being his first time racing on the road after a career in world championship short circuit racing, the Harrogate rider looked comfortable onboard the powerful Rob Mac Yamaha setting a lap time of 2m 40.490 after 16 laps.
Following the opening session Dan was able to give the proven Rob Mac Racing team good feedback on the performance of the Yamaha R6. This allowed the British Superbike squad to make some suspension changes in preparation for the first qualifying session. With a good lap time and knowledge of the circuit already under his belt, Dan upped his pace considerably during qualifying by slashing his lap time. Having been over five seconds adrift of the Supersport pole man, in the opening practice session, Dan's impressive 2m 36.79s lap set in qualifying, was significantly just three seconds slower than the class leaders.
Speaking about his first laps of the historic Macau circuit, Dan said: "Macau is a mega place and the track is something special. Racing here is a completely different experience to what I'm used to and with all the barriers and walls being so close it's a real buzz. Before I went out on track I thought it looked a bit scary, but as soon as I put my helmet on and got on the bike there's no worries and I'm already tucking in behind the screen to avoid rubbing my shoulder on the walls."
"I got to test the bike before we came out at Cadwell Park, but racing on a public road is obviously different. We've softened the suspension to help it absorb the bumps and man hole covers and with the gearing we've found its working well. In qualifying I did an eight lap stint and then came in to make a few small changes. When I went out the times started to come a lot easier and I was literally knocking a second off my lap time each lap. My last lap didn't feel fast but it was a second quicker again which is great because I still feel there is a lot more to come."
Second qualifying for Saturday's 15 lap race takes place on Friday morning between 7.30 and 8.30am.
Television coverage of the prestigious race can be seen on Motors TV from 2pm on Sunday 16th November 2008.
Sponsors
Team Beowulf Racing.
The great race at the new Portimao circuit brings an end to our season in World Superbike Superstock 600, with riders Gino Rea and Dan Linfoot.
The season has been a success with Gino third and Dan fifth in the championship standings following three victories and five additional podiums in total. The results have also acted as a stepping stone to the riders for next season, with both securing high profile, career progressing rides for 2009.
Thank you for all of the emails, calls, texts and visits throughout the year. It has been much appreciated.
