Tyre choice proves decisive for G&S at Brands

After qualifying in 18th, Fisher began the 12-lap race from a sixth-row grid position, but tyre choice was a lottery as the weather was neither wet nor dry.

He went for a wet front tyre and a dry rear but as the race progressed it became obvious that he should have gone for full dry tyres as the track dried quicker than expected.

He completed the first lap in 24th place but was able to make some headway and crossed the finish line just outside the points in 18th place.

Van Leuven qualified in 15th place and was to start from the fifth row.

He went out on the sighting lap but was unhappy with his tyre choice and came into pit lane to switch to wet tyres back and front. But that turned out to be the wrong decision and he struggled with grip and tyre degradation throughout the 12 laps bringing the ZX10 home in 22nd position.

Team manager Mark Fisher said: “Tom will continue in the team next year and we are hoping that Kevin will be able to find the sponsorship to stay with us.

“We also hope to run a 600 bike again next year but nothing is finalised as yet.”

“We are taking Tom to Northern Ireland next week as we continue our support for the annual Sunflower meeting at Bishopscourt and a number of our sponsors and supporters are coming alone to watch us which is nice.”