Donington, 23 June: Honda LCR rider Carlos Checa will start the British Grand Prix from seventh position after an impressive qualifying performance at Donington Park today. Checa heads the third row of the grid with his best time just 0.4s off a front row start. He is confident of a competitive performance in the 30 lap race.

Weather conditions for qualifying were much improved, overcast but dry with warmer track temperatures, compared to yesterday’s rain hit free practice. Checa posted the fifth fastest time in this morning’s final free practice with a fast and smooth performance aboard his RC212V. He was much happier with the set-up balance in the dry conditions. Pole position was claimed by American rider Colin Edwards.

CHECA: Seventh - 1’29.281

CHECA: “I believe I can be competitive in the race here because like Jerez top speed is not as critical and I have a very good feeling in the dry conditions. I did not get the best from my qualifying tyre, and my fastest time was only 0.2s quicker than on race tyres, which is very positive for tomorrow. Yesterday I had no feeling but today I’m back in the top ten after switching to our base setting that we know works on this bike.”

Irish rider Eugene Laverty will start the 250cc British Grand Prix from 15th position and is confident that he can challenge for points scoring finish tomorrow. Laverty put in a sterling performance in qualifying despite his Honda running out fuel on his final qualifying lap.

LAVERTY: “This qualifying shows what I can do when I know the circuit and the bike set-up, I think it shows my potential in grands prix. My times are very consistent and I think can race for a top 12 position in the dry. If it rains the race is wide open.”