Parkes joined by Laverty for Donington

From Yamaha Racing

Broc Parkes (Yamaha World Supersport Team) enters the Donington round of the World Supersport Championship intent on pulling back points on championship leader Andrew Pitt, and thus reducing his 36-point championship disadvantage.

Parkes, winner of the first race this season, is currently third in the standings and this weekend he can count on the support of his latest teammate Eugene Laverty. The Ulsterman, who is also racing in 250cc Grands Prix, will taste World Supersport racing for the first time. Having scored four wins in the competitive British Supersport Championship as recently as 2006, however, he is more than familiar with 600cc machinery.

Parkes will be familiarizing himself with the circuit for real starting on Friday, as last year he fell early in the first session, breaking a collarbone and being ruled out for the rest of race weekend.
Parkes approaches the 10th round of the championship after a positive period of preparation in the recent five-week summer break.

"I have had time to relax recently, and I really feel like I am starting fresh again," he said. "Last year I didn't get many laps in at Donington, only about five, but this year I have to try and learn the track and get everything else sorted out. I have raced at Donington before, but it was a long time ago. Overall, we just have to concentrate on the championship itself and win some races. Andrew has a good lead but with four races to go there are still points to be won."

Massimo Roccoli (Yamaha Team Italia Lorenzini by Leoni) has been turning around his fortunes in recent races, and has rejoined the fight for a top eight finish overall. He will be out to improve on his existing best race finish of seventh in 2008, a position he has taken on three occasions so far.

After the previous Brands Hatch round Michele Pirro (Yamaha Team Italia Lorenzini by Leoni) is only 26 points from the lead in the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup, in fifth place in the championship table. His third sixth place finish of the season sees him on 83 points.

Loris Baz (Yamaha Motor France Junior Team) had a perfect end to his Brands Hatch weekend, winning his third race of the season while his number one title challenger Patrick Vostarek scored no points. Leader Baz now has an advantage of 32 points.