Strong Weekend for Appleyard Doodson Macadam Yamaha

It was another successful weekend at round five of the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship at Brands Hatch GP circuit for the Appleyard Macadam Doodson Yamaha. Jake Dixon secured his first ever qualifying pole position for the opening sprint race before gaining a fourth place finish in the race itself. He also grabbed a fourth in main feature race on Sunday. His team-mate, South African Bjorn Estment also had another strong weekend with two 11^th places.

The team was running on a high after both riders had strong results at Knockhill a couple of weeks ago and they were keen to continue that form at Brands Hatch. Jake from Dover was keen to compete at his nearest local circuit and set a fantastic pole position in the damp qualifying session on Saturday with Bjorn, who resides in London whilst in the UK was also eager to secure a strong result at his 'local' round, qualifying in 12^th place.

Jake, although nervous with starting at the front got a good start and took a little time to settle into a rhythm before putting in some good lap times fought his way to a strong fourth finish, equally his best result from Knockhill. Bjorn was also locked in his own battle in the sprint race on Saturday for 10^th place and had to settle for 11^th.

In the second main feature race on Sunday, Jake was placed in fourth on the grid and Bjorn again in 12^th. Both got a good start and Jake worked extremely hard to try and stay with the leaders but had to fight off several challenges and took another well-deserved fourth position. Bjorn also another impressive start and this time was locked in a battle with fellow Yamaha rider James Rispoli, fighting him off until the end where Bjorn gained another 11^th with Rispoli finishing in 12^th.

Afterwards Jake Dixon said "I'm really happy with how I have ridden here at Brands all weekend. We have made some huge improvements with the Yamaha and I hope this form continues for the rest of the season. We are biting at the podium now and just hope it won't be long before I can get up there. The riders in front of me are seasoned winners and just have that extra pace at the moment but I feel I am getting closer with every race and the experience I am gaining. I have also managed to get a new sponsor with www.freestylextreme.com and look forward to building up a working relationship with them."

Bjorn Estment commented"It was a steady weekend for me at Brands, but with loads of positives and a personal best achieved. This unfortunately did not translate into the desired results. However, we are getting ever closer to the front and this is the end goal. I am very confident for Thruxton as I enjoy it there and look to once again improve and reach new personal bests. A big thanks to the team and NFB Financial Services Group for their loyal support, plus all my other personal sponsors and supporters."

Robin Appleyard the Team's Manager/Owneradded"It has been another excellent weekend for the Appleyard Doodson Macadam Yamaha team at Brands Hatch for both riders. Jake has once again stepped up another level with his pole position and two really good fourth places,. He is getting ever closer to the podium and worked really hard this weekend to finish where he did. The front lads are extremely fast and proven winners, but the more Jake rides with them the more he learns. He clearly has the ability, and with every meeting gains that experience that will be required to step onto the podium.

Bjorn has certainly matured as a rider in recent meetings and now knows his limits and is riding really well. He is starting to put together some strong and consistent results which in turn have lifted his overall Championship position.

I am really pleased with how everyone has worked together recently and the good results are a testament to that. We will be working hard on the bikes prior to Thruxton to enable Jake and Bjorn to continue their current form which will, hopefully, see Jake on the podium soon and Bjorn crack the top six. Both are so close and are more than capable of achieving this goal."