Last updated 14:19, Friday, 15 August 2008

ALLENDALE’S Graeme Gowland’s debut in the World Motor Cycle Endurance Championship nearly ended with the perfect result of a podium on the Phase One Yamaha.

Graeme Gowland

However, the Allendale flyer and the British team missed out by less than a minute.

When the chequered flag came out at the end of the eight hours at the German Oschersleben circuit the Phase One team took fourth, just 56 seconds off third place finishers SERT Suzuki.

British team manager Russell Benney was satisfied with fourth place after what was a very closely fought race – and with Graeme’s performance in particular.

He said: “ The revelation of the meeting for me was Graeme Gowland.

“Sebastien Scarnato delivered exactly what we expect from a veteran of his calibre, and Damian Cudlin continues his form at an extremely high level.

“Graeme came in and actually posted the fastest lap of the team, so I’m extremely keen on working with him again, and we’re currently talking about the Bol d’Or.

“We did as much as we could in this race; with the equipment we had, and with the time we had.

“We couldn’t realistically have beaten any of the teams in front of us, so I’m happy with this result.

Graeme said : “I am really pleased to have been giving the opportunity by Phase One to ride this weekend as it was a chance to ride a Superbike which is what I want to ride in the future.

“The Phase One team made me feel very welcome. It was a pleasure to work with them.

“We came very close to a podium but I am still obviously really happy with fourth, especially for the team.

“I was also really happy with the way I adapted to the faster bike, which really suits my style, and the lap times that I did against experienced Superbike riders.”