Spaniard Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) completed an excellent weekend by picking up a hugely important victory in Race 2 at Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli”. Title rival Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) continued his pursuit of Huertas with another P2 finish, whilst Valentin Debise (Evan Bros WorldSSP Yamaha Team) completed the finishing front row.

ELEVEN POINTS: Huertas extends lead over Montella at the top of the standings

Adrian Huertas capped off an extremely impressive weekend in the FIM World Supersport Championship by winning a red-flagged Race 2. The Spaniard, who is already enjoying an extremely impressive season, won Race 1 yesterday to add to his impressive result today. Yari Montella, who enjoyed a strong race today, was forced to settle for P2 yet again following Huertas’ overtake towards the end of Race 2. French native Valentin Debise finished P3, capping another solid weekend for the Yamaha rider.

TOP SIX LOCKED IN: Championship contenders maintain the pressure

Elsewhere within the Race 2 standings, many of the main title contenders continued their push. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) continued his momentum in the Championship by securing a P4 spot, finishing just outside the podium places. Spaniard Jorge Navarro (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) secured a P5 finish in Sunday’s race, whilst Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) secured a P6 finish to cap a solid weekend for the German rider.

BEST OF THE REST: Tom Booth-Amos cracks the top ten

Within the rest of the grid, Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph) enjoyed a successful end to a largely quiet weekend, with the British rider breaking into the top ten. Booth-Amos crashed out of Race 1 on Saturday, so a top ten finish will come as a very welcome result for him. Glenn van Straalen (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) had a disappointing Race 2, finishing in a lowly P14 by the time the red flag came. In terms of crashes, the big-name casualty was Bahattin Sofuoglu (MV Agusta Reparto Corse). The Turk suffered a crash at turn 11 that spelled the end of his race. Tom Edwards (D34G Racing WorldSSP Team) and Krittapat Keankum (Yamaha Thailand Racing Team), whilst Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) suffered a technical problem that forced him out of action at Misano.

1. Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team)

2. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +1.161s

3. Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) +2.274s

4. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) +3.176s

5. Jorge Navarro (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) +4.197s

6. Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) +10.472s

Fastest lap: Adrian Huertas, 1’37.114s

WorldSSP Standings:

1. Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) 136

2. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) 125

3. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) 114

4. Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) 104

5. Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) 78

6. Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME AIR Racing) 72

Make sure to follow all the action from WorldSSP using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has officially seen Round 4 come and go, and what a weekend of action it was. In a weekend that saw history being made, as well as big changes to the Championship, it was one man; Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team). who stood tall at Sunday’s end.

TOPRAK TORCHES THE COMPETITION: Razgatlioglu takes all the marbles

Round 4 of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is officially in the books, and it will be firmly remembered as the weekend of one man. Toprak Razgatlioglu, who has been untouchable all weekend, completed a first personal hat-trick in two years, as well as BMW’s first ever treble. The Turkish rider was temporarily relegated to fifth place at the start of Race 2, before the inevitable comeback came. Nicolo Bulega and Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) were able to maintain the pressure by finishing Race 2 in P2 and P3 respectively, but neither could get close to “El Turco” at any point during the weekend on the Adriatic Coast.

TOP SIX: Lowes, Petrucci rubber-stamp positive weekends

Once more, Great Britain’s Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) secured a very positive finish, this time securing P4 in Race 2. The British rider has consistently spoken about the progress made by the Japanese giants, and said progress appears to be paying off in a big way. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) continues to fly the flag for Yamaha, remaining their highest finishing rider by securing P5. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) capped off a remarkable comeback weekend at his home round by securing P6, a result not even the most optimistic of supporters could have seen coming.

FINISHING THE TOP TEN: All Japan in the fight for the top spots

The rest of the top ten saw a lot of variety within the standings. Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) capped off his positive weekend with yet another good result; this time, a P7 finish in Race 2 saw Bassani continue to push the pace and improve. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) secured a P8 finish for Race 2, whilst Iker Lecouna (Team HRC) obtained a P9 finish by the end of Sunday. Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) again suffered a miserable start to his Race 2. Fortunately, his race ended better than it began, with the Ulsterman’s pace enough to secure a place rounding out the top ten.

REST OF THE GRID: Crashes aplenty throughout the grid

Elsewhere throughout the grid, there was plenty of drama during Race 2 at Misano. Sam Lowes (ELF Mac VDS Racing Team) rounded off a weekend to forget with a P13 finish. The Ducati rider struggled at Misano but will be hoping to kick on when the Championship heads to Donington Park. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) saw his bike suffer a major technical problem (accompanied by a lot of smoke) that saw the Swiss rider forced to retire prematurely. Michele Pirro (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) suffered a crash on the last lap to cap a forgettable weekend for Ducati’s main test rider. Xavi Vierge (Team HRC), Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Adam Norrodin (Petronas MIE Racing Honda) all failed to finish the race due to different crashes and incidents throughout the race.

Top six from Race 2 at Misano, check full results here:

1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +2.980s
3. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +3.940s
4. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +9.951s
5. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +11.974s
6. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +15.900s

Fastest lap: Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’33.307s

WorldSBK Standings:

1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 179

2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 158

3. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 155

4. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 124

5. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) 94

6. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) 83

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Source: WorldSBK.com

The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship may have just had a huge moment in the title race, as Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) claimed a stunning hat-trick at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli”. The Race 1 results meant he claimed the Championship lead, and that extended to 21 points on Sunday as he added two more wins to his collection during the Pirelli Emilia-Romagna Round.

Ragatlioglu’s Sunday started perfectly as he topped the Warm Up session, before converting his incredible pace into victory in the Tissot Superpole Race. This meant he claimed his 44^th WorldSBK win, moving him ahead of Noriyuki Haga in fifth in the all-time win list and he’s already – after just four rounds – closing in on BMW’s season best win record with four until the Superpole Race, with a chance to make it five in the afternoon’s Race 2.

With the opportunity to make it a hat-trick. ‘El Turco’ grabbed it with both hands and, despite losing ground at the start, he claimed victory by just over three seconds – although the margin had been bigger before the final lap. He celebrated with a ‘stoppie’ over the line as he made a bit of BMW history. His sixth win of the season matches the season record for the German manufacturer, in both 2012 and 2013, with just 12 races completed this season.

Looking back on his Sunday double and Misano hat-trick, Razgatlioglu said: “I’m really happy because when I came to Misano, I had just one target: three wins with BMW. I did it! We did a great job today. After Race 1, we changed something on the bike. I was feeling much better, especially with front tyre grip. I was pushing the front more. After five or eight laps, everyone started to drop; I could continue. I know after five or six laps; I’d be very strong. I’m just riding calmly and trying not to make mistakes. We are also understanding in hot conditions which tyre is better for us.”

Razgatlioglu made a well-publicised and hugely surprising switch from Yamaha to BMW for 2024, but it’s already paying off for the #54. He was quick in testing and immediately on the podium in Australia and the wait for a first win didn’t take too long. He won twice in Barcelona, once at Assen and three times at Misano, taking BMW’s first hat-trick and his first since 2022. With the results at Misano, the Turkish superstar claimed the Championship lead by 21 points ahead of Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and he’s first BMW rider to lead the standings since Marco Melandri in 2012.

Discussing his early journey with BMW, he said: “At Phillip Island, we had a mechanical problem, and without this we’d have a bigger gap. This is good. We are learning and improving. I was worried at my first test because it was in wet conditions, I couldn’t understand if I was fast or not. At the next test, with everyone else, I understood I was fast, and the bike had potential, I’m showing it to everyone. Everyone starts to believe in me and BMW. We go step by step this season. I hope we finish as World Champions, but there’s many races and it’s better not to talk like this!”

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Source: WorldSBK.com

The FIM Supersport 300 World Championship has served up some truly classic action across the weekend at Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli”. Sunday’s Race 2 proved to be no different, with yet another fantastic fight to the finish from the front leaders of the Championship. With Daniel Mogeda (Team #109 Retro Traffic Kawasaki) ruled out of Sunday’s race after sustaining hand and rub injuries in his Race 1 crash, it was anyone’s game to see who would take the top step of the podium.

THREE RIDER DOGFIGHT: Mahendra, Buis and Iglesias battle for the ages

The front three were consistently strong across the entire race duration, before gearing themselves up for a grandstand finish. Reigning World Champion Jeffrey Buis (Freudenberg KTM-PALIGO Racing) and Inigo Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) repeatedly swapped the lead for almost the entirety of the last lap, including heading into the final sector. Aldi Mahendra (Team BrCorse) took advantage of the two riders’ duel heading into the last corner, before ultimately sealing a famous win; his second ever win in the class and Yamaha’s first of the season in WorldSSP300. Buis and Iglesias ultimately pursued P2 and P3 respectively. Iglesias’ podium (his eighth in the class) saw Kawasaki claim 170 podium places in the class as well.

TOP SIX: Pratama leads the charge

Outside of the battle for the win, there was more than enough action for the top six places. Fellow Indonesian rider Galang Pratama (ProGP NitiRacing) secured himself a very solid P4 placing at Misano, whilst being extremely competitive amongst the front pack of riders. Marco Gaggi (Team BrCorse) confirmed a very solid weekend by finishing P5 at Misano on Sunday. Rounding out the top six was David Salvador (MS Racing) who secured P6 by the end of an eventful Sunday at Misano.

ROUNDING OUT THE TOP TEN: Hard fought battle for the rest

As always, the battle for the top ten saw some truly intense fighting, with Jose Osuna Saez (DEZA-BOX 77 Racing Team) picking up an impressive P7 placing by the end of the race. Elia Bartolini (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSSP300 Team) picked up P8, whilst Marc Garcia (KOVE Racing Team) and Mirko Gennai (MTM Kawasaki) rounded out the top ten by finishing P9 and P10 respectively.

The top six from WorldSSP300, full results here:

1. Aldi Satya Mahendra (Team BrCorse)

2. Jeffrey Buis (Freudenberg KTM-PALIGO Racing) +0.102s

3. Inigo Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) +0.128s

4. Galang Hendra Pratama (ProGP NitiRacing) +0.129s

5. Marco Gaggi (Team BrCorse) +0.285s

6. David Salvador (MS Racing) +0.519s

Fastest lap: Mirko Gennai (MTM Kawasaki), 1’49.534s

WorldSSP300 standings

1. Inigo Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) 98 points

2. Aldi Satya Mahendra (Team BrCorse) 86

3. Daniel Mogeda (Team#109 Retro Traffic Kawasaki) 63

4. Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) 56

5. Jeffrey Buis (Freudenberg KTM-PALIGO Racing) 55

6. Petr Svoboda (Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) 53

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Source: WorldSBK.com

The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship was another fight to the line in Race 2 at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli”, with Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) securing her second win of the weekend after overtaking Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) at the final corner on the last lap.

HERRERA VS CARRASCO… AGAIN: another fierce fight in Italy

Both Herrera and Carrasco got superb starts as the lights went out, going side by side through the opening couple of corners before Carrasco came out in front. That didn’t last long, however, with the #6 responding almost immediately. The lead group was made up of four riders – Herrera, Carrasco, Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) and Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) – with Turn 10 and the run to Curvone being the preferred overtaking places. On Lap 5, Carrasco used the slipstream to move ahead but was unable to keep the lead and tried again on Lap 6 before Herrera responded at Curvone. A lap later and Carrasco was ahead heading into Turn 14, before her rival tried to respond under braking; Carrasco had the outside and just held on to P1 through the final sector.

EPIC FINAL LAP: Herrera vs Sanchez for the win

With the lead group fighting hard, Sanchez looked to take advantage and got an excellent run out of Turn 10, using it to full advantage as she passed both Herrera and Carrasco to briefly lead, although she was unable to keep P1. Heading into the final three laps, Herrera was ahead of Sanchez while Neila had been in the top three before Carrasco reclaimed third on Lap 10. The #6 and #64 continued to trade fastest laps out in front with the gap stabilizing at around two tenths, but the final lap was a different story. Herrera led on the exit of Turn 10 but Sanchez slipstreamed her way alongside, and ahead, of the #6. However, she didn’t take that lightly, fighting around the outside of Turn 14, had a look at the inside of Turn 15 before outbraking Sanchez at Turn 16 to claim victory. It demoted Sanchez to second, with Carrasco completing the podium after her fight with compatriot Neila, who came home in P4.

P5 FOR PONZIANI: good results on home soil

While the top four were fighting, home hero Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) was taking another strong result as she finished in fifth place, ahead of Isis Carreno (AD78 FIM Latinoamerica by Team GP3) in sixth, with the Chilean rider showing great potential once again as she returns to World Championship level. French rider Ornella Ongaro (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) came home in seventh and she was delighted with this, celebrating it like a win on the cool down lap.

COMPLETING THE TOP TEN: a solid star to WorldWCR

Ran Yochay (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) finished in eighth place after missing out on P7 to Ornella by just 0.006s, while it was a fight that Pakita Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1) was also involved in; the three riders were separated by less than two tenths. Chun Mei Liu (WT Racing Team Taiwan) had been running in the top ten, but a crash from P8 on the final lap meant she wasn’t classified with Lucy Michel (TSL-Racing) finishing in the top ten as a result.

TO NOTE: two more retirements

Astrid Madrigal (ITALIKA Racing FIMLA) was the first rider to retire when she crashed at Turn 6 around halfway through the race, while Emily Bondi (YART Zelos Black Knights Team) brought her Yamaha R7 machine into the pits and retired; the French rider is making her way back to full fitness following injury sustained in training.

The top six from WorldWCR Race 2, full results here:

1. Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team)

2. Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) +0.085s

3. Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) +1.305s

4. Beatriz Neila (Ampito/Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +1.352s

5. Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) +14.711s

6. Isis Carreno (AD78 FIM Latinoamerica by Team GP3) +25.014s

Best lap: Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) 1’47.961s

Championship standings

1. Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) 50 points

2. Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) 36

3. Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) 36

4. Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) 24 

5. Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) 24

6. Isis Carreno (AD78 FIM Latinoamerica by Team GP3) 20

Source: WorldSBK.com

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) continues to single-handedly shape the narrative of the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, putting on another epic display by winning the Tissot Superpole Race by a comfortable margin. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) put up an impressive fight but was simply forced to settle for P2 on Sunday morning. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK)  capped a memorable weekend for him by securing P3

TOP-WIN FOR TOPRAK: ‘El Turco’ claims second win of the weekend

Turkish superstar Razgatlioglu was once again the best rider on the grid, and ultimately made sure that the Superpole race ended in comfortable fashion. Starting on pole, “El Turco” was briefly overtaken by Bulega who got the holeshot off the line, but Razgatlioglu was able to reclaim the lead and never looked like relinquishing it from that point. Toprak also made some big WorldSBK history, overtaking WorldSBK legend Noriyuki Haga to become the fifth-placed all time leader in wins in WorldSBK with 44. Great Britain’s Alex Lowes capped a personally memorable weekend by converting his front-row start into a P3 finish.

THREE MANUFACTURERS: all Italian affair for the second row in Race 2

It has continued to be a positive weekend Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha), with ‘Loka’ secured P4 to remain the top Iwata-based bike on the grid. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) enjoyed a very positive Superpole in his home race by securing a top-five finish, finishing in P5. Like his teammate Lowes, Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) capped a personally memorable weekend by rounding out the top six with a very impressive P6 finish.

TOP TEN: Rea, Petrucci put on impressive showings

The battle for the top ten continued to show more diversity and intrigue. Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) enjoyed a very solid race to secure a P7 finish for the Japanese manufacturer. Ulsterman Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha), who has suffered a slow start to the season, as well as a very fast crash on Saturday, enjoyed a much stronger showing in the Superpole Race, finishing P8. Home hero Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team), who continues to suffer with his own injury woes, secured yet another very impressive P9 as he works his way back to full fitness following said injury. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) rounded out the top ten.

BEST OF THE REST: Bautista crashes, finishes P17; Gardner and Sam Lowes fail to finish

The big news from the rest of the action was that reigning World Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) suffered a crash at turn 10 but was able to finish the race. Ultimately, Bautista did not have enough time to make up for the spill, finishing in a lowly P17. Bautista will start Race 2 from P11 later on Sunday.

Australian rider Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team), who enjoyed a very solid day on Saturday, suffered a crash alongside American rider Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW), so will start Race 2 from P10.

The top nine from the Tissot Superpole Race. For full results, see here:

1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)

2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +1.651s

3. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +4.779s

4. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +8.061s

5. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) +10.913s

6. Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +12.013s

7. Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) +12.436s

8. Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +14.981s

9. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +15.255s

Fastest Lap: Toprak Razgatlioglu, 1’32.687s – New Race Lap Record

Follow all the Misano action using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

WorldSBK is excited to announce the continuation of its partnership with Misano World Circuit, ensuring the Emilia-Romagna Round will remain in the iconic Motor Valley through 2029.

The Emilia-Romagna Round will continue to thrill fans at the Misano World Circuit for another five years, thanks to the new agreement signed with Santa Monica SpA. This contract renewal solidifies Misano’s prestigious place in WorldSBK history, where it has been a beloved venue since 1991.

The Emilia-Romagna Round is not only a highlight in the WorldSBK calendar but also a significant event for local tourism, generating substantial economic impact. A survey by Trademark Italia estimates the event now brings over 30 million euros to the region.

This extension ensures that Misano will continue to be a vital part of the WorldSBK calendar, offering fans and teams an exceptional racing experience in the heart of Italy’s Motor Valley.

Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director, expressed his enthusiasm for the renewed partnership: “We are thrilled to continue our long-standing relationship with Misano World Circuit. The Emilia-Romagna Round is a cornerstone event for WorldSBK, known for its passionate fans and excellent organisation. This extension to 2029 reflects our commitment to bringing world-class racing to this historic venue. We look forward to many more years of thrilling races and memorable moments here at Misano.”

Luca Colaiacovo, President of Santa Monica SpA: “After a season of significant investments in the structure by the Financo ownership, we are laying the groundwork to ensure MWC and the territory a calendar that is always worthy of one of the world capitals of motorsport. The synergy is winning: MWC guarantees organizational capacity and a destination that multiplies the success of events thanks to our collaborative efforts. We are experiencing a record-breaking 2024, expecting to reach 800,000 attendees, and at the same time, we are laying the groundwork for further developments. Essentially, we never stop.”

Andrea Albani, Managing Director of Misano World Circuit: “Major events like WorldSBK fuel the interest in motorsport and simultaneously drive the development of a long and articulated supply chain, to which we have given increasing value. Opportunities thus multiply commercial appointments, manufacturer tests, and the expansion of the business network at MWC Square are positive and concrete effects, up to the organization of ITS Maker to train quality professionals useful to companies. The renewal until 2029 generates confidence and therefore optimism among entrepreneurs in our field.”

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Source: WorldSBK.com

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is well and truly back, and Sunday morning firmly picked up where Saturday left off, with Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) once again topping the timesheets.

 Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) continued to mount the pressure on “El Turco”, finishing the morning’s Warm Up session right behind his title rival in P2. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) continued his impressive form from Saturday by rounding out the top three in Sunday morning’s Warm Up session. Reigning World Champion Alvaro Bautista continued his work to try and find an optimum race setup by finishing P4, whilst Australian Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) maintained his impressive pace from Saturday by finishing the Warm Up as the fastest Yamaha on track in P5. After showing such impressive pace during the start of Race 1 yesterday, Gardner might well look for another searing start during the Tissot Superpole Race.

The remainder of the top ten on Sunday morning saw Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) maintain his solid season start by finishing P6, whilst Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) finally showed signs of speed with a P7 finish. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) had enough pace for P8, whilst Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha), yesterday’s highest finishing Yamaha, finished the Warm Up in P9. Britain’s Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) rounded out the top ten.

Elsewhere within the Warm Up on Sunday morning, Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) continued his struggles in a difficult opening to the season by finishing the morning session in a lowly P15. The Ulsterman will see if he is able to participate further on Sunday following a medical review. Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) was Honda’s highest finisher in P17, despite suffering a crash at turn 5 earlier in the session.

Top six after WorldSBK Warm Up, full results here:

1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’33.049s
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.195s
3. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.675s
4. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.712s
5. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +0.892s
6. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.912s

Make sure you follow along with all of the action from Misano using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The field of 23 riders took to the San Marinese circuit during the hottest part of the day when air temperatures were at 31 degrees Celsius and track temperatures at 45 degrees. Japan’s Shoma Yamane made the initial launch from pole position, but he was quickly joined by Italian wildcard Gianmaria Ibidi and Sanchez. Before the end of the first lap, the 15-year-old Spaniard had made his move to the front, a position he held until the end of the 10-lap race. As Sanchez pulled away at the front, a big group of riders fought it out for the remaining podium places.

Brazil’s Eduardo Burr had been in the fight but a double-long lap penalty due to a jump start pushed him down the order, this initially left the fight to Marc Vich and Mario Salles, but the home riders were quick to climb through the order. Wildcard Christian Pucci showed his strength throughout the race and went on to claim third place. Vich held on to an important second place which keeps him close to Sanchez in the championship standings. Alessandro di Persio pushed hard to set the fastest lap of the race, but narrowly missed out on the podium in fourth, Salles completed the Top 5.

Race 2 will start at 16:15 CET on Sunday 16^th June and you can watch it live on the Yamaha Racing YouTube channel.

FULL RESULTS – R3 bLU cRU – RACE ONE

Gonzalo Sanchez had this to say following the race: “Today I won, even though yesterday I didn’t feel very good with the bike. My team and I worked really hard together with the Yamaha staff, and I spent a long time studying the data to find where I could improve. All of this paid off and I took another victory, four out of five sounds great! I am keeping my feet on the ground and not taking anything for granted because I know tomorrow will be another big fight. A big thanks to my family and to Yamaha, and also to the fans at the circuit – I’m so grateful to them all!”

Source: WorldSBK.com