21st April 2006

Le Mans - Latest

Following his successful weekend at Thruxton over the Easter break where he rode to a brace of strong points finishes on the JJL/UK diggers.com Honda Fireblade, Steve travelled to France where he is competing as part of a three man team for Kawasaki France in the Le Mans 24 hour race.

Steve has qualified in fifth place for the start of Saturday's 24 hour race which is run as round two of the World Endurance series.

Steve, had been trying out different tyre compounds and in the final qualifying session was using a hard front tyre to see if he could get more grip. But just after taking the chequered flag for the end of the qualifying period Steve lost the front end and crashed on the slowing down lap.

"I was slowing so didnt do any damage either to the bike or myself," explained Steve. "But we have managed to qualify fifth for the start of the race so I am optimistic of a good result."

The race is scheduled to start at 2pm and is televised on British Eurosport with regular live updates throughout Saturday and Sunday.