Juho Kantola took the Rich Energy-backed Ducati Panigale V2 to Brands Hatch GP this weekend for a round of the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship — riding for his own Ducati JK36 team, running the number #63. It was always going to be a test. Brands GP is one of the most technical circuits on the calendar, the Supersport grid is one of the deepest in domestic racing anywhere in the world, and the British weather doesn’t introduce itself politely.
The numbers were honest. P30 in qualifying with a 1:32.130. A DNF in the Sprint after a red flag and a brutal tyre call. P26 in the second race after a multi-rider crash unfolded directly in front of him.
The tyre call
The Sprint was red-flagged after a sudden downpour. On the restart, Kantola’s team faced the call every wet-weather race comes down to: slicks or wets. Kantola made the decision — stay on slicks. The sky opened the moment the lights went out. He had to pit, and the race was done.
Two-thirds of the grid made the same call. It was that kind of weekend. The decision was the right one until it wasn’t, and that is racing.
Sunday
The second race began better. Kantola made a clean start. Then a multi-rider crash unfolded directly in front of him and there was nowhere to go but onto the grass. He kept it upright, kept it running, and salvaged 26th — but the gap to the leading pack was gone the moment he was forced wide. His best lap of the race was 1:31.326, eight tenths quicker than qualifying. The pace was there. The luck wasn’t.
What Juho said
“It was a weekend. An absolutely awesome track and great people. The level is just so tough that I absolutely have to get more practice laps in so I can really challenge. It was nice to notice that the world’s top isn’t unattainable, and when we get hard practice with a good team, I’ll definitely be in a better position next year. We won’t give up, we’ll strike harder next season.” — Juho Kantola
What’s next
That’s the deal with David-versus-Goliath stories. The Davids don’t win the first round. They keep showing up. Kantola and the Ducati JK36 team are already focused on more circuit time and a stronger return to the British paddock.
Black and gold Ducati Panigale V2 back on track soon. Watch this space.