A STUNNING race through the field has helped Lewis Rollo to one of his best performances of the season.

The motorcycle rider started from the back of the grid in 34th place at Snetterton but weaved his way through traffic to finish in the top 10.

The Gifford racer had qualified in sixth spot for the race at the Norfolk circuit and just 1.5 seconds off pole sitter Dan Linfoot.

However, an incident at Knockhill in the previous round meant his time counted for nothing and he was penalised by starting at the back of the grid, behind Frederico Lopes-Rego, who had set a time more than eight seconds slower than Rollo.

Despite that, the county racer came through the field to finish in a well-deserved 10th spot.

East Lothian Courier: Lewis Rollo had an eventful weekend at Snetterton before ultimately coming home in 10th place. Lewis Rollo had an eventful weekend at Snetterton before ultimately coming home in 10th place. (Image: Image: Camipix Photography)

Speaking to Courier Sport, he said: “Good weekend at Snetterton, again fighting at the sharp end in every session and also setting my personal-best lap time in qualifying.

“For the race, we knew it was going to be a challenge starting at the back of the grid but also trying to stay out of trouble.

“I had everything thrown at me, with a safety car taking away three laps of the race from me and then also a long lap penalty, but we still never gave up on that top 10 and brought the bike home with a few points!

“Huge thanks to the team for all their hard work all weekend and I never stopped believing we could still get a result; thanks to all of our sponsors for making it possible!”

The former Knox Academy pupil made a scintillating start and powered up to 17th spot by the end of the first lap.

He was just getting settled into a rhythm when the safety car came out, bunching the pack together.

 

 

Racing resumed on lap four and he picked off another five rivals to move into 12th spot.

However, the challenge was made harder when he was given a long lap penalty – where the racers use an extra section of the circuit which costs them time – which was awarded for an apparent illegal move while the safety car was out.

Racing again, he reached the top 10 with one lap to go and secured six very welcome points.

Attention turns to Brands Hatch this weekend and races eight and nine of the campaign.

Ian Newton, IN Competition Aprilia team boss, was pleased with making the best of a tricky situation.

 

 

He said: “I have the ultimate confidence in the team around me and, when faced with a challenge, they don’t moan or think of it as a negative but instead turn it on its head and prepare for the best possible outcome.

“It was back to the drawing board as the bike would need to perform in a different way and Lewis, who is not really used to being at the back of the grid, which was proven by his free practice and qualifying times, would have to fight his way through a lot of riders.

“All the hard work paid off, a top-10 finish and points in the bag was the best possible outcome, especially with other elements thrown in during the race as well.”