Source: Supplied.

Mixed weather conditions at Oulton Park’s 10th round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship (BSB) ultimately caught out Australian Jason O’Halloran in the final encounter of the weekend.

The Honda Racing rider challenged for the podium in race one, although a lack of grip in the dying stages meant he was forced to relinquish his top three placing and settle for sixth.

Hopeful of making amends in the second outing, O’Halloran shot out to a strong start before running wide into turn one, subsequently hitting a damp patch and resulting in a premature end to his weekend.

“Conditions were really mixed this weekend and the weather threw everything at us,” O’Halloran explained. “I made good starts in both races and it was good to be running at the front. On the first lap of race one, normally I’m one of the more cautious riders but this time I just felt it and attacked and was really able to make up ground.

“It was disappointing to drop back at the end but I started losing entry grip so just couldn’t hold on to third. In race two I actually started with some worry because I seemed to be the only one starting on a wet patch. I knew turn one was wet but I actually got one of the best starts I’ve had all year. I was really pushing and held second for a long time – the pace was fast and I was able to hold on.

“I wanted so badly to get back on the podium for me and the team after everything, but unfortunately turn one caught me out. I ran a little wide but I really didn’t expect it – I hit a damp patch and just lost the front. I didn’t want the weekend to end like this, but I’m taking the positives from it into Assen.”

The British Superbike Championship returns for round 11 on 28-30 September at Assen in The Netherlands.