The FIM Supersport World Championship Race 2 concluded the racing weekend in Portugal on Sunday afternoon, and an unpredictable race unfolded at the Estoril Circuit perfect weather conditions set the stage for the 18-lap race. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) was dominant from lights out, as he led into turn 1 ahead of title rival Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) and the #94 bike of Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha). A surprisingly poor start from Championship leader Adrain Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) meant he fell back to fifth position.
EARLY CRASHES: Bayliss and Booth-Amos out
Turn four witnessed an early race collision on the opening lap, as Thomas Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph) and Australian rider Oliver Bayliss (D34G Racing WorldSSP Team) crashed out of contention. Back at the front, the lead group was providing plenty of thrilling racing for the Portuguese spectators as Montella led fellow Italian Manzi in second, whilst Huertas gained momentum to catch Mahias in third position.
TOP THREE BATTLE: Title rivals lead the field
The tension increased as the race continued to unfold in Estoril, and it was the #99 of Huertas who increased the pressure on his championship rivals as he moved into a podium position and hunted down the Ducati frontman. It was a French battle further behind the lead group as Debise and Mahias jostled for fourth place and displaying plenty of skilled overtakes throughout the four-kilometer circuit.
MONTELLA CRASHES: Loses lead and Championship chances
Responding to Manzi’s increase in pressure from P2, Montella attempted to create a larger gap back to the chasing group, but at turn 7 a crucial mistake saw the #55 Italian crash out with just 8 laps remaining. This has now ended his hopes of contending for the WorldSSP 2024 Championship.
HUERTAS V MANZI: Who will be crowned 2024 Champion?
With Manzi and Huertas taking the top two spots on the podium, Debise impressed with a third place in front of Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) and Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) in fourth and fifth, whilst Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME AIR Racing) rounded off the top 6. The Race 2 result is 4th win for Yamaha this year and the 99th podium for Ducati in the WorldSSP class. The result has created a two-horse race between Huertas and Manzi as the paddock heads to Jerez for the final round of the season next week. Just 45 points separate the #99 and Manzi who is chasing the Spaniard at the top of the current rankings.
The top six from WorldSSP Race 2, full results here:
1. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing)
2. Adrián Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) +2.506s
3. Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) +4.103
4. Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) +4.351s
5. Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) +7.670s
6. Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME AIR Racing) +9.355s
Fastest lap: Stefano Manzi, Yamaha – 1’40.063s
Championship standings:
1. Adrián Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) 410 points
2. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) 365
3. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) 354
4. Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) 218
5. Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) 204
6. Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME AIR Racing) 184
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Source: WorldSBK.com