ROCKET RON’S TIPS FOR A QUICK LAP OF DONINGTON PARK...

Slow in fast out

Donington (and especially the fast half of the lap) is incredibly technical, which means that you don’t want to be rushing in as it sacrifices too much. Especially at somewhere like Old Hairpin (at the bottom of Craners), go in as slow as possible for the best exit up the hill – it will give you loads of time.

Use the entire track (and more!)

It might sound silly and a bit obvious, but you can gain some serious time by really exaggerating your lines; especially on the little bikes. You want to be carrying as much speed as possible, so even use the curbs at places like the Esses.

Don’t be afraid to twist the wrist

I get a lot of people worrying about the grip and the capabilities round here – but you don’t have to worry. A corner is just another obstacle in the way of being flat! Especially coming on to Starkey’s straight. Bikes nowadays have so much mechanical grip and those Dunlops work a treat, so use them.

The Melbourne loop and Goddard’s…

They need a bloody section to themselves! You won’t be making a lot of time here but it’s dead easy to lose it. I run first gear on the Blades through them and it’s vital to square both corners off; focus on the exit and the entry will come naturally.

Relax!

Donington is criminal for arm-pump and general tiredness – it’s bloody hard work! Make sure you’re as relaxed as possible and not tense, and that’s when the rhythm will come.