The Swan Yamaha team had a challenging raceday at Oulton Park today at the second round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship. Tommy Hill who had yesterday powered to the pole position was sidelined after morning warm up following a heavy crash whilst Michael Laverty secured two fifth places.
Hill had led the championship after the opening round, but was forced to watch from the sidelines after he sustained a shoulder injury when he fell between Brittens and Hilltop following Loris Baz’s crash, which caused fuel to be leaked out on track moments before. Hill is now recovering from a torn tendon on the back of his shoulder and is going to visit a specialist for further assessment in the hope of a return at the next round of the championship in ten days’ time at Croft.
Hill said: "Today has been one of those days which just show the ups and downs of racing. We were feeling really confident and I was really happy, we had set pole position and looked in a strong position for the races. Then it all just went wrong. I was coming out of Shell and I knew I was up on the sector times, but as I came into Brittens I saw a yellow flag out the corner of my eye and rolled off a bit. I didn’t see anyone down, but there was just fluid on the track and I just it caught it with the rear tyre and it threw me off. It is a big downer for the team and me but I just have to go home and get mended as soon as I can.
These injuries I have been told can take five to six weeks to heal, but I will see a specialist Tuesday and then we can go from there. Of course I want to be back for Croft, but I won’t have more of an idea until I see the specialist. The points system though could play into my hands, as I can drop today’s results before the Showdown. I need to make sure that when I come back I am at full fitness so I can do the best job I can in getting the championship back on track for Swan Yamaha."