Tim Hastings would like to start by thanking all those who made his GP weekend possible; everyone at KRP, Hannah Scott & Tony Sladdin, Robert Nielsen, Mick Eagle, Green Machines, Chevin & Gibson's Builders & Joiners. In addition, Shark helmets who provided a new lid as well as the usual top level trackside support, A.M Leathers who helped tremendously by making a new set of leathers especially for the GP at a superb cost - and delivered the suit in person to the track. Thanks too to Dunlop tyres for their trackside support over the course of the weekend. Finally, thanks to everyone who kept in touch over the course of the weekend, offering support and well wishes.
The Moto GP is an awesome paddock to be a part off and Tim really enjoyed the experience. The wet practice session on Friday went well, with Tim getting some good track time on some new wet weather tyres which offered improved levels of grip and great feedback.
Saturday dawned dry and Tim got some valuable dry track time - and TV exposure - both in second practice and qualifying. Tim ended both sessions well inside the 107% cut off time, although he had hoped to qualify better than he did. As it was, he ended qualifying in 34th spot on the grid.
Sunday morning warm up was again wet but with the new wet weather Dunlop tyres again offering fantastic grip, the session was soon over with no setbacks.
Time for the race and Tim got away well, cutting through the row ahead of him as the pack moved off the grid. Having initially moved up several places, he then relinquished them all as they headed into Redgate for the first time and Tim learned just how determined the GP regulars are not to be passed.
From the start of the race, it was drizzling - although only lightly - but it looked worse on Tim’s visor and it was very difficult for him to gauge how hard to push. After a few laps everything settled down and Tim ended up in a very lonely 24th spot before the drizzle got heavier and the track started becoming properly wet. With a “dry†race having been declared at the start, all the riders were on slicks and as the rain began to fall, several riders, including a few of the leaders, slid out of contention. Unfortunately, just as the red flags came out, Tim also crashed at turn one, Redgate corner. Although it wasn't much of a crash - Tim had backed off considerably due to the rain - the damage to the bike was bad enough to prevent Tim from making the re-start and his Grand Prix adventure was over.
It was still a very memorable weekend and to have been holding 24th place in the race, on merit, in very tricky conditions, is an achievement everyone at Team Twister is very proud of.
The team now turns its attention back to the Relentless British 125GP Championship which resumes at the Brands Hatch GP circuit on the weekend of 7th, 8th & 9th August.
