EVESHAM rider Mike Tustin clinched an impressive fifth-placed finish in Monday’s second race at the opening round of the Ducati TriOptions Cup at Donington Park.
The TeamMTR racer recorded the third fastest lap of the race as he improved on a frustrating 12th place in Sunday’s first race of the campaign.
With track temperature and conditions still not ideal, Tustin decided to head out wet tyres for Saturday’s qualifying, with the option of a dry tyre if the track dried significantly.
Fortunately, wet tyres were the right option and he managed secure sixth place on the grid for Sunday’s race – the team’s best qualifying position to date.
Although track temperature was low, the dry option tyres were the only way forward. After a good start, and holding position, Tustin dropped back down the field to cross the line in 12th position.
Rain fell heavily overnight, forcing the organisers to consider cancelling Monday’s racing altogether. Thankfully, the marshals at Donington managed to clear the track but conditions were appalling, with so much water and spray to contend with.
Grid position was determined by the lap time from race one, meaning Tustin had to start in 14th. A good start allowed him to make some places on the first lap and, as the race wore on, the bike was able to come to Tustin who pushed on to come home fifth.
This is the team’s second highest finishing position in this class and well deserved after all the effort put in over the weekend.
Tustin said: “The result from Monday’s race clearly shows that both the machine and I are more capable of running at the sharp end of this championship.”
Round two takes place at Brands Hatch Indy on April 13/14.
