Peter Hickman’s performance during Round 3 of the 2023 British Superbike Championship at Donington Park encapsulated the highs and lows typical of competitive racing. His weekend began with promise, showing consistent pace during Friday’s practice sessions, which led him directly into Q2 qualifying on Saturday. Hickman managed a commendable sixth place start for Race One after a fast-paced qualifying session that saw the top 12 riders breaking the existing lap record.
In Race One, Hickman faced challenges right from the start, dropping down to ninth early on but managed to fight back, showing glimpses of his potential and skill. However, a lost opportunity during a critical move on lap 15 saw him finishing in ninth place, despite showing competitive lap times earlier in the race.
The second race saw Hickman starting from fifth, but an incident involving Bridewell sent him through the gravel trap, significantly affecting his position. Despite this setback, Hickman demonstrated remarkable resilience, clawing back from 13th to finish in a strong fourth place, highlighting his determination and the competitive pace of his BMW.
Race Three, however, ended in disappointment for Hickman. Despite starting in a promising third position, he faced technical issues that forced him to retire early from the race. This was a frustrating conclusion to a weekend that had shown much promise but was ultimately marred by challenges and misfortune.
Overall, Hickman’s weekend at Donington Park was a rollercoaster of emotions, underscored by moments of brilliance and determination in the face of adversity. His ability to fight back in Race Two, in particular, showcased his racing calibre and the potential for strong performances throughout the season. Despite the setbacks, Hickman and his team demonstrated a positive outlook and a readiness to tackle the upcoming challenges head-on.
Day 3 – 21st May 2023
