As some already know, I’m not racing at Brands Hatch this weekend due to personal reasons (intensive care, kids, and shit). However, that hasn’t halted the P&H Motorcycles/Carl Cox Motorsport team providing high-class entertainment in the Ducati TriOptions Cup, with my team-mate, Leon Morris launching a naughty highside while exiting Clearways.

There have been very few highsides in the Ducati TriOptions Cup, the 899 Panigale proving difficult to unsettle at the rear: partly owing to a sublime throttle-to-rear-wheel connection and oodles of mechanical grip. Most of us run without any TC aid unless it’s moist. Even then, it’s not guaranteed to save your botty.

But yesterday, during free practice, Leon truly tested his new Dainese D-Air suit and the wonderful Bonnie Lane managed to capture the full sequence until the bloody pit wall interfered. As you’ll clock halfway through, the airbag is visibly deployed before Leon hits the deck, no doubt saving injury. This was Leon’s first taste of tea bagging airbag deployment and, although it felt like his shoulders had popped out initially, he reckons he feels brand-new today. It’s just a shame you have to get the suit back to Italy for a recharge…

All pics: Bonnie Lane