Josh Brookes penalised for sighting lap crash that left Guintoli with broken leg
On the sighting lap before race one at the third round of the British Superbike Championship last weekend at Donington Park Joshua Brookes collided with title contender Sylvain Guintoli.
Officials at first inspection put the crash down to a brake problem on Brookes’ HM Plant Honda but after further investigation has laid the blame for the incident firmly at the hands of Brookes.
After examining data obtained from Brookes’ machine officials made the following statement;
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The rider pumped the brake lever in the braking area on the approach to the Melbourne Hairpin.
•The pressure developed in the braking system and the reduction in wheel speed on the approach to the corner was consistent with a lap at racing speed, up to the point where the rider pumped the brake lever.
•The point at which the brakes were applied was consistent with a lap at racing speed.
The exact reason the rider pumped the brake is not known, but he stated that the brakes did not feel that they were working properly.
The Judicial Panel agreed that there was no evidence of mechanical failure; however, the difference in speed between #25 and the riders around him was incompatible with the end of a sighting lap.
Accordingly, a ban of one race has been applied to Josh Brookes, suspended for three British Superbike championship meetings. The team were informed of their right to appeal.
No appeal having been received, the penalty is confirmed.
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Guintoli was a clear second place in the British Superbike Championship only 11 points adrift of series leader Leon Camier before the incident.
The Suzuki rider broke both his fibula and tibia in the incident and will be sidelined for eight weeks with his title aspirations shattered.
British Superbike 2009