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Yamaha and Ducati win the final two battles but Kawasaki won the war

2020 WorldSBK – Round Eight- Estoril


WSBK Superpole Race

Pole man Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha) pulled the pin form the off and rode a solitary race ahead of Garrett Gerloff while Leon Haslam (Honda) and Chaz Davies (Ducati) were also both in the mix early on.

Newly crowned 2020 World Champion Jonathan Rea (KRT) made an outstanding comeback, gaining no less than ten positions to move in behind Michael van der Mark (Pata Yamaha), and Scott Redding (Ducati), from the last spot on the grid to eighth place.

#EstorilWorldSBK at Circuito Estoril Tissot Superpole Race
1.) Toprak Razgatlioglu (PATA YAMAHA WorldSBK Official Team)
2.) Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team) +1.928s
3.) Michael van der Mark (PATA YAMAHA WorldSBK Official Team) +2.940s

In the final laps, an intense battle raged between Davies and van der Mark for a podium finish, but it was the Dutchman who came out on top over the Ducati rider to finish third behind Gerloff and Razgatlioglu, who secured his second consecutive race win in the WorldSBK class in what was a Yamaha 1-2-3.

Yamaha 1-2-3 in the Superpole race

Superpole Race Results

Pos Rider Bike Gap
1 T. Razgatlioglu Yamaha /
2 G. Gerloff Yamaha +1.928
3 M. Van Der Mark Yamaha +2.940
4 C. Davies Ducati +4.074
5 J.  Rea Kawasaki +4.745
6 S. Redding Ducati +5.915
7 A. Bautista Honda +7.969
8 L.  Haslam Honda +11.835
9 M. Rinaldi Ducati +12.293
10 X. Fores Kawasaki +12.342
11 T.  Sykes BMW +12.643
12 F. Caricasulo Yamaha +12.714
13 J.  Folger Yamaha +14.984
14 L.  Mercado Ducati +22.177
15 M. Ferrari Ducati +22.349
16 E. Laverty BMW +22.581
17 T. Takahashi Honda +27.889
18 E. Granado Honda +29.975
19 S. Morais Kawasaki +30.067
20 L.  Cresson Kawasaki +50.259
Not Classified
RET L.  Baz Yamaha 8 Laps
RET A. Lowes Kawasaki /

WorldSBK Race Two

The season-ending Race 2 at the Pirelli Estoril Round was full of drama at the Circuito Estoril as Chaz Davies (claimed victory in his final race for the ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati outfit, taking a commanding win in the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship season finale.

Tom Sykes, Loris Baz, Scott Redding

Davies had started the race from fourth place and was instantly in the fight for victory, moving into second place before passing Toprak Razgatlioglu on Lap 2 before pulling away from the Turkish star, who had won two of the three races at Estoril prior to Race 2.

Alex Lowes chasing the field

The battle for second came to a premature end when Jonathan Rea made contact with Razgatlioglu’s Yamaha machine at Turn 3 as he tried to pass the Turkish rider for second place. Rea was able to re-join the race and finished down in 14th place while Razgatlioglu was able to finish in third, after Scott Redding managed to overhaul Razgatlioglu for second place; Redding ending the season with a Ducati 1-2 as ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati claimed the Teams’ Championship ahead of KRT. The 1-2 finish for Davies and Redding meant Ducati secured its 950th podium placement in WorldSBK.

Michael van der Mark ended his Yamaha career with a fourth-place finish, having lost out at the start of the race. He finished clear of Alvaro Bautista in fifth place as Honda secured another top-five finish, five seconds clear of Michael Ruben Rinaldi.

Leon Haslam

Rinaldi finished in sixth place after heading a four-way fight with Leon Haslam, Xavi Fores and Federico Caricasulo in seventh, eighth and ninth respectively; Fores’ eighth place meaning he was the highest-placed Kawasaki rider and therefore scored enough points for Kawasaki to beat Ducati to the Manufacturers’ Championship by just one point.

Tom Sykes completed the top ten as he finished around 2.5 seconds away from Caricasulo, and finished 1.5 seconds clear of Jonas Folger who scored points despite following Loris Baz (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) off the track when Baz suffered a technical issue.

Tom Sykes and Eugene Laverty

Irish rider Eugene Laverty finished in 12th place with Leandro Mercado in 13th, Rea in 14th and Matteo Ferrari (Barni Racing Team) in 15th in his second appearance of the season. Eric Granado (MIE Racing HONDA Team) missed out on points by less than a second with teammate Takumi Takahashi just behind Brazilian Granado.

Garrett Gerloff crashed out of the race on Lap 3 at Turn 4 when he was running in the podium places; the American having a lowside crash at Turn 4 on the third lap as he looked for this third consecutive podium. Alex Lowes crashed with just a few laps to go.

#EstorilWorldSBK at Circuito Estoril – Race 2.
1.) Chaz Davies (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati)
2.) Scott Redding (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati) +1.951s
3.) Toprak Razgatlioglu (PATA YAMAHA WorldSBK Official Team) +2.556s

WorldSBK Race Two Results

Pos Rider Bike Gap
1 C. Davies Ducati Panigale V4 R /
2 S. Redding Ducati Panigale V4 R +1.951
3 T. Razgatlioglu Yamaha YZF R1 +2.556
4 M. Van Der Mark Yamaha YZF R1 +10.423
5 A. Bautista Honda CBR1000RR-R +15.473
6 M. Rinaldi Ducati Panigale V4 R +20.277
7 L.  Haslam Honda CBR1000RR-R +21.074
8 X. Fores Kawasaki ZX-10RR +21.291
9 F. Caricasulo Yamaha YZF R1 +22.427
10 T. Sykes BMW S1000 RR +25.168
11 J.  Folger Yamaha YZF R1 +26.945
12 E. Laverty BMW S1000 RR +28.511
13 L.  Mercado Ducati Panigale V4 R +32.281
14 J.  Rea Kawasaki ZX-10RR +38.800
15 M. Ferrari Ducati Panigale V4 R +46.083
16 E. Granado Honda CBR1000RR-R +47.000
17 T. Takahashi Honda CBR1000RR-R +47.295
18 S. Morais Kawasaki ZX-10RR +1m01.053
19 L.  Cresson Kawasaki ZX-10RR +1m31.338
Not Classified
RET A. Lowes Kawasaki ZX-10RR 6 Laps
RET L.  Baz Yamaha YZF R1 7 Laps
RET G. Gerloff Yamaha YZF R1 19 Laps

WorldSBK Quotes

Chaz Davies – P1

It was a day full of emotions, first on the grid then at the Parc Ferme. My boys made me excited and I thank them for all the passion and commitment with which they have worked over the years. A big thank you to the whole Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team for what they have done for me and for what we have spent together. I think this is the best way to say goodbye to the team, a result that the whole team deserves and I am happy to have given them this satisfaction. It was a very nice race, I went on track with great determination and the feeling with the bike was absolutely extraordinary. And I’m happy to have celebrated with the whole team. Emotions that I will never forget“.

Chaz Davies and Scott Redding
Scott Redding – P2

I am extremely happy with this result. It was not an easy race for me. In the first laps, I had some problems and I couldn’t be fast. However, I remained concentrated and from the middle of the race, the feeling grew and allowed me to push hard to get Toprak. I think it’s a great season finale for us and I’m happy to have shared the podium with Chaz. We did a great job this season and I want to thank Ducati for putting me in a position to fight for the title. I can say that the second place in the first year in Superbike is an acceptable result but we will have to do better next season. Thanks to the whole Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team for the great support and the extraordinary work of these months. Grazie Ragazzi!

Stefano Cecconi – Team Principal Aruba.it Racing – Ducati

There could be no better way to close the season. We greet Chaz and thank him for the results, professionalism and commitment he has put in over the years. Today he made us excited once again, first on track and then at the Parc Fermé with his team. Thanks to the whole team, to the guys who gave their best in a very complicated season, making sacrifices and always working commendably. We didn’t manage to win the riders’ title, we missed the Manufacturer’s World Championship for one point and won the team classification. We should be proud of what we have managed to do this season. The 2021 season, however, begins tomorrow. We will only have one objective, that of improving ourselves further to achieve the results that we work so hard for every day”.

Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu – P3

Today, the Superpole Race was again very good for me, it was a perfect way to win and the feeling was perfect, we were so fast. We worked hard for Race 2, as it was important to remain focused for the long race. I tried to win again, but it was not possible because my Yamaha R1 was sliding too much, which was very strange compared to the feeling I had in the previous races. But we’re happy to be on the podium again, it was a good weekend for me as I really need these podiums to help me push for more in the future. Thank you very much to my Yamaha team, they are amazing and worked so hard this weekend. It is was also Michael’s last race with us and I have enjoyed being his teammate this year – but, no problem, because he stays in the WorldSBK paddock and we will still be friends and also fight on the track!”

Michael van der Mark – P4

It was a really good morning, in the Superpole Race I had a great battle with Chaz and finished third. Really happy with that, the bike felt amazing and I was ready for Race 2, but from the first lap I started to struggle with rear grip and I just couldn’t keep up with the guys in front of me, which was frustrating. Halfway through the race it started to feel better but then I started to struggle with the front. I wanted more in this last race, but in the end to finish fourth isn’t that bad and I think in general we had a good end to the season. You know, we always want more but it has been four fantastic years with this team and with Yamaha and I am really proud of all we have achieved. I want to thank everyone I have worked with over this time for all their efforts, because the progress we have made together has created some impressive results. I am thankful to everyone and will miss them.

Paul Denning – Pata Yamah Team Principal

A great end to the season here in Estoril with Toprak again showing his real credentials with a lights-to-flag victory in the historic Superpole Race – the first ever podium lock-out by Yamaha in WorldSBK as Garrett Gerloff and Mikey backed up Toprak’s superb win. It was a beautiful day today which was great, apart from the fact that the modified timing of Race 2 to 15:15 and the sunshine saw the track temperature rise well above 30 degrees, which didn’t work quite as well for us as we’d hoped. In addition, the pace of the race was a big step over yesterday’s opener. It would have been nice to win all the races, but Toprak absolutely maximised all he had by finishing a very close third and Mikey rode a controlled race to round off his Yamaha career with a fine fourth. We will make a “shakedown” test tomorrow with Andrea Locatelli, his first laps on the Yamaha R1 superbike, which we are all looking forward to. Everyone connected with this team wishes Michael all the very best for his future, having been such a great asset to the project over the last four years.”

Alvaro Bautista – P5

The season has been challenging for us, considering we were a new team having to develop a new bike during what has been a shortened championship. We’ve had some good results but there have been teething problems, as you expect with a new project. As for today’s performance, after yesterday’s crash, I wanted to complete the final races of the season without any setbacks. Track conditions were a little trickier today, offering me less rear grip, but I focused on interpreting the track and riding at the limit, without exceeding it of course. In the end, top five is not our target as we want to win, but we have to take the positives when considering the season as a whole. When all is said and done, we have collated a lot of data this year and are very motivated to work hard this winter in order to be more competitive next season.”

Alvaro Bautista
Alvaro Bautista – P7

Today’s racing was a little more difficult than yesterday. The first half of race 2 was not too bad but some vibration with the bike in the later stages made it hard for me to maintain my pace and hold on to seventh place. In the end, Alvaro and I round out the year with the same points, we’ve learned a lot throughout the season, and I feel we have a clear understanding in terms of the direction we’ll take with winter testing. So it’s been a challenging year, with everything that has happened, but we’re feeling very positive as we move forward. I personally cannot wait to start the winter tests.”

Tom Sykes – P10

It was a pretty frustrating final weekend. Clearly we have some limitations with the package and saw already at the Barcelona test and here again that we come to a new circuit, arrive at a lap time and try a lot with big changes, we’ve had three different set-ups here this weekend, and we still arrive at that lap time and still have the same issues. The team have work to do and I am definitely looking forward to getting some new components. Now it’s time for closure on this year and hopefully the whole BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team can make some good steps forward as soon as possible in the winter break.”

Tom Sykes
Eugene Laverty – P12

This weekend as a whole has been very difficult here at Estoril. From the first practice, it was clear that with so many slow corners it was not suited to our bike, but we never gave up and worked hard. The good thing was that we did make progress in today’s race as our pace was stronger than yesterday’s so we can be satisfied we moved forward. Throughout our season, we made progress, especially in the latter part of the year. Most notable was Magny-Cours with our pole position, but unfortunately the season has been short with only eight rounds as I would have liked to be longer on the bike. The season for us is now over and it’s time for me to start thinking about 2021.”

Marc Bongers – BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director

Our results at the Estoril finale were not satisfactory. However, I am glad that we once had a weekend without technical issues and without any crashes. In terms of performance, we are not where we want to be. We are not far off the top five or top six, but we have to work on claiming these results consistently. I would like express my heartfelt thanks to Eugene. It was also a difficult season for him but we have still been able to benefit from his work and made progress with him for example in the electronics area. Now we have to focus on next season. That will start in just a few hours with preparations for tomorrow’s testing. We hope to find those few tenths of a second there that will help us to improve.”

Tom Sykes and Eugene Laverty
Shaun Muir – Team Principal BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team

First of all, thanks to Eugene. It’s been a tough year for him and with the season cut short, it made his job even more difficult. We thank him for all his efforts and contributions to the team and wish him good luck for next year wherever he goes. On Tom’s side, this weekend has been a struggle. The grip levels have been difficult for us and it has taken us too long to overcome that and find an optimum setting that works. Finishing 20 seconds off the winner certainly isn’t where we want to be but we got a lot of data to move forward. Our new season starts now and we’ve got to put 2020 behind us for many reasons, Covid, difficult conditions at all rounds, we haven’t scored a podium once this year but, however, we remain confident that we can set the wheels turning very soon with the BMW M 1000 RR and overall, we will push hard to be further up the grid. I think it’s fair to say that it was a challenge for most teams. Congratulations to Kawasaki and Jonathan Rea and let’s hope that next year we can be close to those guys and be on the podium more regularly.

Jonathan Rea – P14

I had a great pace in the beginning of the second race. I gambled with a soft front tyre that some others used yesterday and I thought, with nothing to lose, let’s try it. I felt at that point in the race I had a better pace than Toprak, so I decided to try to pass but every time I tried he came around the outside or passed me in T1, where I was not so good. When the gap opened in T3 I put my bike there but there wasn’t much space. He closed the door and I tucked the front. When I got up my bars were pretty bent and the brake lever was bent down but I just wanted to finish the last race of the season. I knew I was not going to score big points but I just crossed my fingers that one of the Kawasaki guys was going to score enough points to retain the Manufacturers’ Championship and with Xavi Fores we did that. Massive thanks – and congratulations – to him. It proves that we still have a very good package with the Ninja ZX-10RR. I think it is a world-leading bike that inspires a lot of confidence. It has been a true big team effort this season. I know all the engineering staff of the factory will be super-proud.”

Final 2020 WorldSBK Championship Standings
1. Jonathan Rea (GBR) Kawasaki (360 points)
2. Scott Redding (GBR) Ducati (305 points)
3. Chaz Davies (GBR) Ducati (273 points)
Alex Lowes – DNF

A disappointing day obviously, to have two crashes. In the final race of the day I felt really good for the first ten laps in sixth place, and then fifth when unfortunately Johnny fell. I had a good battle with Michael van der Mark. We tried the softer front tyre like Jonathan did but it was completely gone on the right hand side. I slowed the pace to try and manage the tyre and still ended up making a mistake, so this was really upsetting for me. But in general it has been a great year for Jonathan and Kawasaki so well done to them for winning the Riders’ Championship and the Manufacturers’ title. Unfortunately I couldn’t contribute like I wanted but it doesn’t really feel like the end of the season for me because I have a lot of work to do, and we have a test tomorrow. We need to work hard to improve and I am already looking forward to 2021. A massive thank you to all the guys in KRT. It has been a pleasure to join them this year.”

Kenji Nagahara – Managing Director, Kawasaki Motors Europe

On behalf of Kawasaki Motors Europe, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and every Kawasaki Branch and Private Distributor across Europe I would like to congratulate the teams for winning the Manufacturer’s title. Jonathan is an ideal ambassador for the Kawasaki brand, giving 100% every time he rides his Ninja ZX-10RR on track or when practicing at home in Northern Ireland on his KX450 motocross machine. For someone who lives his life on two wheels, Jonathan has achieved things that many people would think unachievable and that is very closely aligned with the Kawasaki philosophy of making what seems impossible, possible. Kawasaki and Jonathan have dreamed, believed and achieved and the unique achievement of six consecutive WorldSBK titles secures Jonathan a place not just in World Superbike history but as landmark moments in the global Kawasaki story. Congratulations to Jonathan, KRT, and all Kawasaki riders and team staff in the WorldSBK paddock, you have all delivered a truly memorable season in particularly challenging times.”

Kawasaki won the Manufacturers’ Championship to add to the Riders’ Championship win scored by Jonathan Rea on his KRT Ninja ZX-10RR

WorldSBK Championship Standings

Pos Rider Points
 1  Jonathan Rea  360
 2  Scott Redding  305
 3  Chaz Davies  273
 4  Toprak Razgatlioglu  228
 5  Michael Van Der Mark  223
 6  Alex Lowes  189
 7  Michael Ruben Rinaldi  186
 8  Loris Baz  142
 9  Alvaro Bautista  113
 10  Leon Haslam  113
 11  Garrett Gerloff  103
 12  Tom Sykes  88
 13  Xavi Fores  61
 14  Federico Caricasulo  58
 15  Eugene Laverty  55
 16  Leandro Mercado  24
 17  Marco Melandri  23
 18  Jonas Folger  19
 19  Sandro Cortese  14
 20  Sylvain Barrier  12
 21  Maximilian Scheib  11
 22  Takumi Takahashi  6
 23  Matteo Ferrari  5
 24  Christophe Ponsson  4
 25  Roman Ramos  4
 26  Lorenzo Zanetti  3
 27  Valentin Debise  2
 28  Eric Granado  1
 29  Xavier Pinsach  1

WorldSSP

There were 18 laps of drama, action and battles as the FIM Supersport World Championship came to a thrilling conclusion at the Circuito Estoril for the Pirelli Estoril Round. The race was eventually won by Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) despite pressure from, at various points, up to seven other riders throughout the race as the season ended in sensational style.

Andrea Locatelli (BARDHAL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team) had started the race from pole position but soon found himself down in fourth place having been jumped on the opening lap by Mahias, teammate Philipp Oettl and Raffaele De Rosa (MV Agusta Reparto Corse); a sense of what was to come throughout the race right from the start.

WorldSSP

Mahias had claimed the lead on the opening lap and looked as if he was going to pull out a gap but the chasing group were able to reel him in after five laps; with the Frenchman losing the lead to teammate Oettl at Turn 1. Mahias was able to fight back a lap later to regain the lead on Lap 6, but Italian De Rosa claimed the lead on Lap 7.

The lead changed once again on Lap 8 as Oettl passed De Rosa at the right-hander of Turn 2, but that would only last another lap as De Rosa reclaimed the lead ahead of Mahias and Oettl, with Locatelli lurking just behind – although the Italian faced pressure from South African Steven Odendaal (EAB Ten Kate Racing). Mahias took the lead with an aggressive move on Lap 9 at Turn 9 on De Rosa, with the battle continuing throughout the race.

De Rosa took the lead of the race at Turn 1 on Lap 14 but was unable to hold it for the rest of the race; Mahias taking the lead on the final lap from teammate Oettl after Oettl had taken the lead on Lap 17. It meant Mahias would take his second victory of the year ahead of Locatelli in second; the 2020 Champion moving ahead of De Rosa by just 0.002s on the line.

Odendaal finished the race ahead of Oettl after the German fell down to fifth in the latter stages of the race, with Isaac Viñales (Kallio Racing) finishing sixth as he almost pipped Oettl to a top five finish. Oettl’s fifth place was enough to overhaul Jules Cluzel (GMT94 Yamaha) in the Championship for third place with Cluzel finishing in ninth; Manuel Gonzalez (Kawasaki ParkinGO Team) in seventh and Estonian Hannes Soomer (Kallio Racing) in eighth.

British rider Danny Webb (WRP Wepol Racing) secured a top ten finish in the James Toseland-run team with teammate and wildcard Karel Hanika in 11th as the team finished the season with two points finishes. Axel Bassani (Soradis Yamaha Motoxracing) finished in 12th place but was not enough to claim the WorldSSP Challenge title as Kevin Manfredi (Altogoo Racing Team) claimed that title despite a 18th place finish.

Corentin Perolari (GMT94 Yamaha) was 13th with Turkish star Can Öncü (Turkish Racing Team) in 14th place and Andy Verdoïa (bLU cRU WorldSSP by MS Racing) completing the points-paying positions with 15th place.

Hikari Okubo (Dynavolt Honda) was an early retirement from the race as he pulled off the track on the opening lap; the Japanese’s rollercoaster season ending in disappointment as he was forced to retire from the race on the opening lap of the race. Galang Hendra Pratama (bLU cRU WorldSSP by MS Racing) and Peter Sebestyen (OXXO Yamaha Team Toth) were also retirements from the race, Indonesian rider Hendra Pratama crashing out of the race.


P1 Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing)

It’s a big emotion for me. It’s my last race in Supersport, I love this category and winning my last race is very good for me. It’s a similar feeling when I won the World Championship. In these conditions, because Magny-Cours was different conditions with the rain and you have the big difference of the rider, but now it’s normal conditions and the long straight. My bike is not very fast in a straight line and I needed a lot of fight. I think it’s the best race of the year! Now I’m ready for the next challenge.”

P2 Andrea Locatelli (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team)

I lost a little bit today as we had a small problem with the electronics on the bike. It’s normal. It’s the first time but I am very happy for the season. Every time we are very confident and very fast. We close with a podium and this is important and for my guys, it’s so good. Now we look forward for the new season.”

P3 Raffaele De Rosa (MV Agusta Reparto Corse)

For sure, it’s a nice race. After yesterday, after the crash, my first feeling was very down. Today was not easy to get up. I tried to do my best. This morning, after warm up, the team changed everything on the bike. For the race, I had a completely new bike. I want to say a big thank you to the team. Today, the bike was unbelievable.”

#EstorilWorldSBK at Circuito Estoril – Race 2
1.) Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing)
2.) Andrea Locatelli (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team) +0.886s
3.) Raffaele de Rosa (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) +0.888s

WorldSSP Race Two

Pos Rider Bike Gap
1 L.  Mahias Kawasaki ZX-6R /
2 A. Locatelli Yamaha YZF R6 +0.886
3 R. De Rosa MV Agusta F3 675 +0.888
4 S. Odendaal Yamaha YZF R6 +1.018
5 P. Oettl Kawasaki ZX-6R +1.465
6 I.  Vinales Yamaha YZF R6 +1.670
7 M. Gonzalez Kawasaki ZX-6R +3.566
8 H. Soomer Yamaha YZF R6 +3.576
9 J.  Cluzel Yamaha YZF R6 +4.518
10 D. Webb Yamaha YZF R6 +11.695
11 K. Hanika Yamaha YZF R6 +12.553
12 A. Bassani Yamaha YZF R6 +12.849
13 C. Perolari Yamaha YZF R6 +15.531
14 C. Oncu Kawasaki ZX-6R +15.592
15 A. Verdoia Yamaha YZF R6 +27.569
16 A. Ruiz Carranza Yamaha YZF R6 +27.593
17 F. Fuligni MV Agusta F3 675 +30.338
18 K. Manfredi Yamaha YZF R6 +30.756
19 G. Van Straalen Yamaha YZF R6 +38.461
20 P. Hobelsberger Honda CBR600RR +47.804
21 V. Falcone Yamaha YZF R6 +1m16.817
22 V. Da Silva Barros Yamaha YZF R6 +1 Lap
Not Classified
RET P. Sebestyen Yamaha YZF R6 11 Laps
RET G. Hendra Pratama Yamaha YZF R6 12 Laps
RET H. Okubo Honda CBR600RR /
2020 FIM Supersport World Championship
1. Andrea Locatelli (ITA) Yamaha (333 points)
2. Lucas Mahias (FRA) Kawasaki (229 points)
3. Philipp Oettl (GER) Kawasaki (162 points)

WorldSSP Championship Standings

Pos Rider Points
 1  Andrea Locatelli  333
 2  Lucas Mahias  229
 3  Philipp Oettl  162
 4  Jules Cluzel  160
 5  Steven Odendaal  136
 6  Raffaele De Rosa  135
 7  Manuel Gonzalez  126
 8  Isaac Vinales  116
 9  Hannes Soomer  115
 10  Corentin Perolari  110
 11  Danny Webb  80
 12  Can Alexander Oncu  65
 13  Peter Sebestyen  49
 14  Kevin Manfredi  39
 15  Kyle Smith  36
 16  Andy Verdoia  35
 17  Axel Bassani  33
 18  Federico Fuligni  32
 19  Alejandro Ruiz Carranza  25
 20  Karel Hanika  16
 21  Miquel Pons  16
 22  Hikari Okubo  12
 23  Loris Cresson  12
 24  Galang Hendra Pratama  12
 25  Patrick Hobelsberger  6
 26  Glenn Van Straalen  4
 27  Maria Herrera  2
 28  Jaimie Van Sikkelerus  2
 29  Luigi Montella  1

WorldSSP300 Race Two

The battle to win the final FIM Supersport 300 World Championship race went down to the line at the Pirelli Estoril Round as Koen Meuffels (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT) claimed his first victory of 2020 after timing the race-winning move to perfection; running second on the run out of the final corner at the Circuito Estoril but using the slipstream to snatch victory from Samuel di Sora (Leader Team Flembbo).

WorldSSP300

Meuffels and di Sora were able to break away from the chasing group to make it a two-way battle for the top spot on the rostrum. Di Sora led on the final lap and out of the final corner but was outdragged to the line by Meuffels; the Dutchman’s victory meaning all four MTM Kawasaki riders have claimed victory in 2020. Mika Perez (Prodina Ircos Team WorldSSP300) claimed third place as he rounded out the season with another podium, his third podium of the year and his second at Estoril.

Tom Booth-Amos (RT Motorsports by SKM – Kawasaki) had been in the battle for the lead until Lap 7 when he crashed at the final corner and retiring from the race; allowing Meuffels, di Sora and Perez to claim the podium positions. Bahattin Sofuoglu (Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha WorldSSP300) claimed third in the Championship with a fourth-place finish in Race 2, beating Meikon Kawakami (Team Brasil AD 78) by just 0.005s.

Yuta Okaya (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT) finished the race in sixth place as he held off the challenge of polesitter Nick Kalinin (Battley-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki); the Ukrainian finishing in seventh place ahead of Kevin Sabatucci (Kawasaki GP Project). Kalinin was just three tenths away from a podium spot as the season ended in style.

Newly-crowned World Champion Jeffrey Buis (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT) battled his way up from 18th place to finishing in ninth, once again showing his strong pace in race situations as he finished almost four tenths clear of Adrian Huertas (ProGP Racing) who rounded out the top ten; holding off the challenge from Mirko Gennai (Team BrCorse) by 0.050s.

2017 WorldSSP300 Champion Marc Garcia (2R Racing) finished in 12th place as his return ended to the Championship ended with a points finish, ahead of Spanish compatriot Unai Orradre (Yamaha MS Racing). Three Yamaha MS Racing riders rounded out the points-paying positions with Ton Kawakami and Alan Kroh battling it out for 14th and 15th just behind Orradire.

Tom Bercot (ProGP Racing) and Jose Luis Perez Gonzalez (Machado Came SBK) clashed on Lap 1 at Turn 6 which forced both riders to retire from the race, while Alfonso Coppola (Kawasaki GP Project) retired after an incident with 2020 World Champion Buis. Filippo Rovelli (Kawasaki ParkinGO Team) had a crash with Alejandro Carrion (ACCR SMRZ Racing by Blue Garage) at Turn 1 on Lap 3; Rovelli retiring from the race but Carrion was able to carry on. Victor Rodriguez Nuñez (EAB Ten Kate Racing) also retired from the race, along with Booth-Amos. Bruno Ieraci (Kawasaki GP Project) was a late retirement from the race as he crashed out on the final lap of the 10-lap race.

Australian duo Tom Bramich and Tom Edwards finished 19th and 23rd respectively.


P1 Koen Meuffels (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT)

“This is perfect. It’s so nice to end the year like this, especially yesterday after the second place. I wanted, so badly, to win. I planned the race in my head, I thought about it all night and everything just went perfectly.

P2 Samuel di Sora (Leader Team Flembbo)

“It was a very tough rough. The straight here is very long so it’s difficult to make the difference in this part of the circuit. It was a hard battle with Koen and I’m very happy to finish the season like that. We showed everybody our potential and it’s good for next season.”

P3 Mika Perez (Prodina Ircos Team WorldSSP300)

“Today, it was a very hard race. There were a lot of people in the group and all the riders improved their lap times from yesterday, so it was a close race. Finally, I could do a good strategy with the slipstream and I’m so happy to finish the Championship on the podium. It was a really hard season but the team did an incredible job and we were able to finish fifth.”

#EstorilWorldSBK WorldSSP300 at Circuito Estoril – Race 2
1.) Koen Meuffels (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT)
2.) Samuel di Sora (Leader Team Flembbo) +0.219s
3.) Mika Perez (Prodina Ircos Team WorldSSP300) +1.749s

WorldSSP300 Race Two Results

Pos Rider Bike Class Gap
1 K. Meuffels Kawasaki A /
2 S. Di Sora Kawasaki A +0.219
3 M. Perez Kawasaki A +1.749
4 B. Sofuoglu Yamaha B +1.816
5 M. Kawakami Yamaha B +1.821
6 Y. Okaya Kawasaki B +2.043
7 N. Kalinin Kawasaki A +2.070
8 K. Sabatucci Kawasaki B +2.192
9 J.  Buis Kawasaki A +2.301
10 A. Huertas Yamaha B +2.688
11 M. Gennai Yamaha A +2.738
12 M. Garcia Kawasaki A +3.469
13 U. Orradre Yamaha A +4.181
14 T. Kawakami Yamaha B +4.187
15 A. Kroh Yamaha A +6.028
16 S. Deroue Kawasaki B +6.118
17 P. Svoboda Yamaha B +12.022
18 A. Diaz Yamaha A +12.109
19 T. Bramich Kawasaki A +12.355
20 J.  Gimbert Kawasaki A +12.416
21 O. Nunez Roldan Kawasaki B +12.474
22 T. Brianti Kawasaki B +16.149
23 T. Edwards Kawasaki B +18.596
24 M. Gaggi Yamaha A +29.101
25 S. Markarian Yamaha B +29.271
26 A. Zanca Kawasaki B +29.329
27 A. Carrion Kawasaki A +1m11.156
28 D. Blin Yamaha A +1m20.865
Not Classified
RET B. Ieraci Kawasaki A 1 Lap
RET T. Booth-Amos Kawasaki B 4 Laps
RET V. Rodriguez Nunez Yamaha A 7 Laps
RET F. Rovelli Kawasaki A 7 Laps
RET A. Coppola Kawasaki B 9 Laps
RET T. Bercot Yamaha B /
RET J.  Perez Gonzalez Yamaha B /

WorldSSP300 Championship Standings

Pos Rider Points
 1  Jeffrey Buis  220
 2  Scott Deroue  183
 3  Bahattin Sofuoglu  142
 4  Koen Meuffels  116
 5  Mika Perez  112
 6  Tom Booth-Amos  110
 7  Unai Orradre  101
 8  Ana Carrasco  97
 9  Yuta Okaya  89
 10  Samuel Di Sora  88
 11  Thomas Brianti  80
 12  Meikon Kawakami  76
 13  Bruno Ieraci  66
 14  Hugo De Cancellis  65
 15  Kevin Sabatucci  50
 16  Marc Garcia  48
 17  Ton Kawakami  47
 18  Adrian Huertas  41
 19  Nick Kalinin  38
 20  Victor Rodriguez Nunez  20
 21  Filippo Rovelli  20
 22  Tom Edwards  17
 23  Alvaro Diaz  17
 24  Inigo Iglesias Bravo  15
 25  Alan Kroh  14
 26  Glenn Van Straalen  13
 27  Enzo De La Vega  12
 28  Alfonso Coppola  12
 29  Felipe Macan  10
 30  Johan Gimbert  7
 31  Mirko Gennai  6
 32  Oliver Konig  5
 33  Daniel Mogeda  4
 34  Filip Salac  4
 35  Alejandro Carrion  4
 36  Kim Aloisi  3
 37  Tom Bramich  2
 38  Angel Heredia  2
 39  Jose Luis Perez Gonzalez  1
 40  Daniel Blin  1
 41  Paolo Grassia  1
 42  Tom Bercot  1

Source: MCNews.com.au

Jonathan Rea crowned 2020 WorldSBK Champion

Jonathan Rea
2020 WorldSBK Champion

Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK)

I’m numb after this because I’ve got races tomorrow and my focus goes towards them already. I couldn’t imagine being here six months ago after crashing in Australia and then the lockdown. When I saw the calendar I couldn’t have picked a worse group of tracks for us. Last year was one of the toughest in my career because we came from so far back. We wanted to win but we didn’t understand how to win. We worked hard to do that and this year was different but the crash in Australia was a blessing in disguise and so was the lockdown because I could throw myself into my training. Looking back on the season, it’s been incredible.


How it went down…

After a hotly contested 2020 season, reigning WorldSBK Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) stormed to his sixth consecutive World Superbike Championship title at the Circuito Estoril. He’s the first rider to achieve this record in the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship and the first rider since Giacomo Agostini in the 350cc Grand Prix World Championship to do it in an FIM Road Racing World Championship.

Jonathan Rea
2020 WorldSBK Champion

The Northern Irishman clinched the title having been under the strongest of pressure from WorldSBK’s star rookie Scott Redding (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati) during the 2020 season; the British rider adapting quickly to the category and showing strong race pace from Phillip Island onwards. Rea did not let it go and met the challenge as an opportunity to continue to showcase his relentless attitude and his tenacious attributes; a prime example being after his worst ever finish with Kawasaki in Race 2 at Jerez, he took a magical hat-trick at Portimao to bounce back in style. He then managed the season and scored valuable Championship points every round; taking the Championship lead from the Prosecco DOC Aragon Round and not letting it slip away.

Jonathan Rea
2020 WorldSBK Champion

Being a part of the Championship since 2009, Rea has become one of the Championship’s legends, clinching record after record. Already the rider with most wins and most podium places (183) in WorldSBK, he is one win away to reach the impressive milestone of 100 career victories in 2020, one of his hardest seasons yet with competition and rivals coming at all angles. Magny-Cours’ Tissot Superpole Race also marked his 300th race in the category.

Jonathan Rea
2020 WorldSBK Champion

Jonathan Rea started his career within the WorldSSP Championship in 2008. On his first season he claimed solid results, winning three races and standing six times on the podium. It was also in 2008 that he made his debut in WorldSBK; finishing in fourth place at the Portuguese Round. The following season, he made the move to the blue riband class with the Ten Kate Honda Team and took a first win at Misano. He achieved many strong results with the Dutch team during their six-year partnership before joining the Kawasaki squad in 2015, the first of six thrilling years for the Ulsterman. In the last two seasons, he has faced the challenge of Ducati’s Alvaro Bautista and Scott Redding to add two other crowns to his career records.

Jonathan Rea
2020 WorldSBK Champion

The 2020 season didn’t start in the best way Down Under at the wonderful Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, the Australian track being like a home round for Rea with his family connections. He didn’t finish in Race 1, but his strong motivation brought him to win the Tissot Superpole Race and a second place in Race 2, narrowly pipped by teammate Alex Lowes – Lowes led the way in the standings whilst Rea lay fourth.

When the action resumed at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, Rea bounced back with a podium place in Race 1 and a victory in the Tissot Superpole Race despite his rivals’ strong shape; Scott Redding having won Race 1 and 2. Rea left the Spanish venue second in the Championship Standings, 24 point behind Redding after a difficult Race 2 combined with Redding’s success. As a five-time World Champion, Rea’s response to Redding was a triple at Portimao. He beat the competition by more than five seconds in Race 1, whilst Redding struggled. Rea took back the Championship lead, four points ahead of Redding.

Jonathan Rea
2020 WorldSBK Champion

In Aragon, he lost his advantage over Redding on Saturday; Redding claiming Race 1 victory while Rea finished in third place, giving the Englishman the Championship lead. With two victories in Sunday’s Tissot Superpole Race and Race 2, Rea bounced back to regain the top spot in the Championship standings; a position that he wouldn’t relinquish. The following weekend, with two second places in Race 1 and the Tissot Superpole Race, the latter being the first of 2020 he didn’t win, and a win in Race 2, he increased his lead to 36 points over Redding.

The five-time World Champion arrived to the first ever Catalunya Round at the majestic Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the round being the home event for his Kawasaki Racing Team squad. Rea became the first ever winner in WorldSBK in Barcelona after his victory in Race 1. His second place in the Tissot Superpole Race and a fourth in Race 2 allowed him to put one hand on the 2020 trophy, building his lead to 51 points.

Jonathan Rea
2020 WorldSBK Champion

Arriving at the French venue with a comfortable advantage, Rea started his French campaign with a win in a wet Race 1. Heading into Sunday’s action, it was again Rea claiming victory in the Tissot Superpole Race, securing himself a pole position start for the afternoon. In Race 2, Redding took a crucial win and Chaz Davies (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati) took third place; whilst Rea finished in fourth place, meaning the fight for the 2020 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship went to the season finale at Estoril where Rea took the crown on Saturday afternoon in Race 1.

Following a crash in a dramatic Tissot Superpole session, Rea started Estoril Race 1 from 15th place. He managed to recover eight positions in one lap, being able to fight for a podium position. He crossed the finish line in fourth place to claim his sixth consecutive World Championship at the Portuguese track whilst Scott Redding retired with a technical issue. It’s a weight off his shoulders for Sunday’s Tissot Superpole Race and Race 2, aiming to win his 100th race.

Jonathan Rea
2020 WorldSBK Champion

The six-time World Champion will remain with the Kawasaki team for the 2021 season and both will aim to continue winning many records. Their target will be set on making it seventh heaven together and who would bet against them?

Jonathan Rea
2020 WorldSBK Champion

Source: MCNews.com.au

Toprak wins Estoril R1 as Rea crowned 2020 WorldSBK Champion

2020 WorldSBK Round Eight- Estoril

WorldSBK Race One

The records and the Championships keep coming for Jonathan Rea (KRT) as he secured his sixth consecutive Motul FIM Superbike World Championship, although the wait will go on for his 100th win as Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha) took a stunning victory for the Pirelli Estoril Round at the Circuito Estoril, while challenge Scott Redding (Aruba Ducati) retired from the race with a technical issue.

WorldSBK Race One

Razgatlioglu made a good start from pole position and held first place as he converted his first career pole into his second win of the year; following on from his victory at the season-opening Australian Round. He was joined on the podium with Chaz Davies (Aruba Ducati) and American Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha) as they fought off Rea to secure a podium place.

Rea tussling with Van der Markl

Rea started from the middle of the grid following a crash in the Tissot Superpole session but soon found himself inside the top ten as he gained an impressive eight laps on the opening lap, and quickly improved his position on the follow lap as he passed teammate Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark (Pata Yamaha) at Turn 1 to move into the podium places.

Rea, Davies, Gerloff

He moved into second place as he made a move on Gerloff into Turn 1 but the American rookie was able to respond a few laps later, after Davies was able to make a move on Rea to move into second place. Rea and Gerloff engaged in a sensational battle for third during the remainder of the 21-lap race; allowing Razgatlioglu and Davies to pull away at the front as they finished first and second. Gerloff moved ahead at Turn 1 on Lap 14 and started pulling away from Rea as he secured his second career podium.

Rea, Rinaldi, Haslam

Rea finished the race in fourth place as he lost ground to the riders in front of him but had a large margin over fifth-placed Leon Haslam (Team HRC), who battled hard with Alex Lowes (KRT) and Alvaro Bautista (Team HRC); the Spanish rider had been fifth until Lap 20 before he crashed out of the race. Lowes finished in sixth place after being unable to catch Haslam on the last lap.

Davies, Rea

2021 Ducati rider Michael Ruben Rinaldi (GoEleven Ducati) finished in seventh place, just behind the Lowes-Haslam-Bautista battle but unable to take advantage of the trio battling each other, finishing ahead of Xavi Fores (Kawasaki Puccetti) in eighth and Frenchman Loris Baz (Ten Kate Yamaha) in ninth.

Rea, Rinaldi, Haslam

Tom Sykes (BMW) completed the top ten with the British rider finishing just behind Baz, but 2.5 seconds clear of Jonas Folger (Bonovo Action MGM) in 11th as the wildcard secured points in his second race of the season, finishing 10 seconds clear of Eugene Laverty (BMW).

Redding, Bautista, Sykes

Argentinean rider Leandro Mercado (Motocorsa Racing) finished in the points as he secured a 13th place finish ahead of Takumi Takahashi (MIE Honda) and teammate Eric Granado; the Brazilian finishing in the points in his first WorldSBK appearance of the season. Sheridan Morais (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) finished just outside the points with 16th, with Bautista being classified in 17th place ahead of Loris Cresson (OutDo Kawasaki TPR).

Razgatlioglu, Gerloff

Federico Caricasulo (GRT Yamaha) did not finish the race after he crashed out in the second half of the race, with van der Mark not finishing the race after he came off his bike while battling for the podium. Redding retired from the race with a technical issue on Lap 6, effectively confirming Rea as a six-time World Champion as Redding had to win the race, while Matteo Ferrari (Barni Racing Team) did not finish the race.


WorldSBK Rider Quotes

Toprak Razgatlıoğlu – P1

Well, I’m really happy because of qualifying, and getting pole position for the first time – and also I am surprised by the lap time. In the race, I had a really good start, I pushed hard and then I could race alone and control the gap – this is also the first start-to-finish win for me! The Yamaha R1 was really good today, I had a good feeling on the bike and was able to be fast for the first five laps and then ride easy to save the tyre. Thank you to my team, it is nice as well for them to win again. This season, we won the first race and have done it again in the last weekend. In the final races tomorrow I will try to get the victory but it will not be easy, especially in the Superpole Race where all the riders push hard. It is good for me and Yamaha to come back strong in this last race weekend of the season, I hope to do the same tomorrow.”

Toprak Razgatlıoğlu
Chaz Davies – P2

Unfortunately I was not able to convert the best qualifying of the season with a good start. I immediately found myself in a rather difficult position but from the start, the feeling was excellent. I started to recover positions, chasing Van Der Mark (Yamaha) for the third place in the final standings. After his crash, I pushed even harder to get another podium. It’s a great result and I would like to thank the team for the work we have done in the last two months where we have made great progress. I will be back on track tomorrow with a little less pressure and this could help me to get other important results.

Chaz Davies
Garrett Gerloff – P3

I was definitely trying to be on my tiptoes around Jonny, I didn’t want to cause him any problems or anything like that! I am honestly a little frustrated with myself because in the beginning of the race I was making stupid mistakes and riding like an idiot. I’m not normally like that, I’m normally more consistent so I definitely need to work on that for tomorrow. Really happy to be on the podium again for the whole Yamaha crew and the GRT team. It’s been a really cool last few races and to be back on the podium is nice, but it’s not as nice as the first time! I’m going to have to move up some places to make it even sweeter.”

#EstorilWorldSBK at Circuito Estoril – Race 1.
1.) Toprak Razgatlioglu (PATA YAMAHA WorldSBK Official Team)
2.) Chaz Davies (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati) +3.039s
3.) Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team) +4.220s
Jonathan Rea – P4

I have no feeling right now; I cannot even look back. It has been an incredible journey this season. I want to thank WorldSBK, Dorna, all the circuits and organisers to even get racing this year. In the middle of what everyone has experienced in 2020 sport always comes second – but we managed to race. I miss the fans here, I miss not having my family and friends here, and all my travelling support from back home in Northern Ireland; I really miss that. They cannot be here right now but it is for all of them and my Kawasaki Racing Team, for keeping pushing this season. We started behind like last year but never gave up. It has been a hell of a journey and I am so happy.”

Jonathan Rea crowned 2020 WorldSBK Champion
Leon Haslam – P5

A good result in the end today. I was pleased to be on the front row of the grid but once the race got underway I didn’t have great feeling through the opening laps. I made a few mistakes, even running off track a couple of times which was a little frustrating. But by mid-race I had found good feeling and was able to catch up to both Alvaro and Alex (Lowes). And from there we had a good three-way battle, and ultimately I finished fifth. We made some good steps and were able to maintain strong pace throughout the race and I’m really happy to have another top five finish.

Leon Haslam
Alex Lowes – P6

First of all I am so happy for all the Kawasaki guys and Jonathan. For the whole of KRT, and especially for the guys on his side of the garage. It is so hard to win a world championship let alone six in a row, so big respect to them. I am proud to be part of the team and let’s hope next year we can get involved too and make it a bit harder for him. In Superpole I feel like I did not do a very good lap on the qualifying tyre. There are quite a few corners here that you are on the side of the tyre for a long time and with the Q it just upset the front a bit, which I did not expect. In the race I got a good start but I wasn’t fast enough in the first few laps. I got into a battle with the two Hondas and I felt I was faster than those guys but they kept passing me and I would get back onto them, but and then the same thing would happen again. It was a bit of a frustrating race because I could not find my own rhythm. I feel that if I could have done, I could have got away a little bit.”

Tom Sykes – P10

We got a good start to today’s race one but I just got caught on the outside at T1. We then settled into a good rhythm and it was a shame as P5 was only a few seconds away, but I was at the wrong end of a big group. It’s clear to see that our bike is working really well in some areas, but I was just lacking a little bit today with mechanical grip and engine performance. But it is what is, the game is over for this year and now for me the aim is to get the best results possible and gather the information, blend that together going into the winter test and get to where we need to be next year.”

Tom Sykes
Eugene Laverty – P12

This track is tough for us in general. These slow first gear corners are just not suited to our bike, but I did what I could today. We were slow but at least we were consistent and kept within three tenths of my lap time from the start. Regardless of that we gained some good information, I played around with my body position to try give the guys some direction to work in so again we will try something else for tomorrow’s final two races. Our problem is that we are struggling to get the bike stopped and have that punch out of the corners. But we have some ideas, it’s not going to be a miracle overnight but we must make progress.”

Eugene Laverty
Alvaro Bautista – P17

Today I’m a little upset about the fall, really sorry actually, because at that moment I was feeling very good on the bike after making a strong comeback. We improved the race set-up of the bike a little compared to all the previous rounds, especially in terms of the electronics. The only thing is that we tend to identify the set-up a little late. Even today, I had to find all the references again during the race itself because the bike felt different from the practices, though it was better, in that I could push harder. I felt good, I could ride hard, especially when I had a free track ahead after moving up the field. I could lap with pace very close to that of the leaders. It was a shame about the crash at turn six. But we’ll try to take the positives, and make another step forward with the electronics, bearing in mind that tomorrow we have two more opportunities to run good races.

Scott Redding – DNF

As I said at the beginning of this weekend, I came to Portugal to give everything. I was the fastest in all the sessions and the feeling with the bike was excellent. Unfortunately, I crashed in Superpole: it was a very strange crash and we will have to understand why. It was a shame that the bike came back to the garage so late. My team did an incredible job but I missed a few more seconds to try at least one time attack. In the race, there was a technical problem but starting from the last position it was really difficult to do something important. I want to congratulate Jonathan. It was a great battle, with a lot of respect. I will try again next season. I know I can do it. I never give up”.

Michael van der Mark – DNF

I’m really disappointed, we were struggling quite a lot yesterday but this morning we made a good step forward with the bike. In Superpole, I wasn’t completely happy with the lap, but sixth on the grid and only 0.1s from P2 wasn’t so bad. In the race I felt confident with the R1, we changed a few bits so I had to get used to it, but after a couple of laps I started to feel really comfortable. I had quite a good pace, I think I even set the fastest lap time so I was going well and catching Jonathan and Gerloff. I think I was quicker than them but I made a mistake and lost the front going into Turn 7, I’m not really sure why. It’s a shame because we had good pace, we could battle for the podium and it would have been nice to be on there with Toprak – he did a fantastic job. Tomorrow, we will try again and I’m even more determined to finish my four years with Yamaha on the podium.”

Michael van der Mark #60

WorldSBK Race One Results

Pos Rider Bike Gap
1 T. Razgatlioglu Yamaha /
2 C. Davies Ducati +3.039
3 G. Gerloff Yamaha +4.220
4 J.  Rea Kawasaki +9.645
5 L.  Haslam Honda +15.732
6 A. Lowes Kawasaki +15.926
7 M. Rinaldi Ducati +16.205
8 X. Fores Kawasaki +17.842
9 L.  Baz Yamaha +18.035
10 T. Sykes BMW +18.404
11 J.  Folger Yamaha +20.834
12 E. Laverty BMW +30.026
13 L.  Mercado Ducati +31.886
14 T. Takahashi Honda +47.164
15 E. Granado Honda +48.801
16 S. Morais Kawasaki +56.970
17 A. Bautista Honda +1m32.677
18 L.  Cresson Kawasaki 1 Lap
Not Classified
RET F. Caricasulo Yamaha 9 Laps
RET M. Van Der Mark Yamaha 14 Laps
RET S. Redding Ducati 16 Laps
RET M. Ferrari Ducati 19 Laps

WorldSBK Championship Standings

Pos Rider Points
 1  Jonathan Rea  353
 2  Scott Redding  281
 3  Chaz Davies  242
 4  Michael Van Der Mark  203
 5  Toprak Razgatlioglu  200
 6  Alex Lowes  189
 7  Michael Ruben Rinaldi  175
 8  Loris Baz  142
 9  Leon Haslam  102
 10  Alvaro Bautista  99
 11  Garrett Gerloff  94
 12  Tom Sykes  82
 13  Xavi Fores  53
 14  Eugene Laverty  51
 15  Federico Caricasulo  51
 16  Marco Melandri  23
 17  Leandro Mercado  21
 18  Sandro Cortese  14
 19  Jonas Folger  14
 20  Sylvain Barrier  12
 21  Maximilian Scheib  11
 22  Takumi Takahashi  6
 23  Christophe Ponsson  4
 24  Roman Ramos  4
 25  Matteo Ferrari  4
 26  Lorenzo Zanetti  3
 27  Valentin Debise  2
 28  Eric Granado  1
 29  Xavier Pinsach  1

World Supersport

There was plenty of action across Race 1 at the Pirelli Estoril Round for the FIM Supersport World Championship as Andrea Locatelli (BARADHAL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team) claimed victory at the Circuito Estoril in a Red Flagged and restarted race in Portugal, with the second part of the race reduced to 12 laps.

FIM Supersport World Championship

The race was Red Flagged on Lap 3 when Peter Sebestyen (OXXO Yamaha Team Toth) crashed at Turn 13, the final corner at the Circuito Estoril, spraying gravel onto the track. The Red Flag was shown in order to give marshals a chance to clear the stones from the tarmac, with the new grid set by positions at the last timing point before the Red Flag was deployed.

FIM Supersport World Championship

The restarted race started dramatically when Raffaele De Rosa (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) and Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) collided at Turn 2 on Lap 1; with de Rosa retiring from the race on the spot while Mahias was able to return to the pitlane with his Kawasaki machine. It meant Locatelli was able to move clear at the front of the field to take victory; his 12th of the season after 14 races in 2020.

Italian rider Locatelli was joined on the podium by Philipp Oettl (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) as the German continued his impressive rookie season with his fourth podium of the season and his best result of 2020, having finished third on three occasions, while Estonian Hannes Soomer (Kallio Racing) took his third podium of the season and his third in a row.

There was a titanic four-way battle for fourth place that was won by Isaac Viñales (Kallio Racing), finishing 1.5s clear of South African rider Steven Odendaal (EAB Ten Kate Racing). Odendaal fended off the challenge of Turkish star Can Öncü (Turkish Racing Team) and Manuel Gonzalez (Kawasaki ParkinGO Team); 2019 WorldSSP300 Champion Gonzalez finishing just 0.007s behind Öncü as they crossed the line.

Axel Bassani (Soradis Yamaha Motoxracing) finished in eighth place as the highest-placed WorldSSP Challenge rider as he looks to snatch the title away from Kevin Manfredi (Altogoo Racing Team); the Italian down in 14th place. Jules Cluzel’s (GMT94 Yamaha) return from injury culminated in points with ninth place, finishing ahead of teammate Corentin Perolari who completed the top ten.

Danny Webb (WRP Wepol Racing) battled from the back of the grid in the restarted race after crashing at Turn 3 in the first part to finish in 11th place, holding off Hikari Okubo (Dynavolt Honda) who came home in 12th. Federico Fuligni (MV Agusta Reparto Corse), Manfredi and Andy Verdoïa (bLU cRU WorldSSP by MS Racing) completed the points in Race 1; with Indonesian rider Galang Hendra Pratama (bLU cRU WorldSSP by MS Racing) just missing out on points with 16th place.

Glenn van Straalen (MPM Routz Racing Team) finished in 17th place with Patrick Hoblesberger (Dynavolt Honda) and Vincent Falcone (OXXO Yamaha Team Toth) the last of the classified runners. Alejandro Ruiz Carranza (EMPERADOR Racing Team), De Rosa, Mahias and Victor Alexandre Da Silva Barros (Palkalgar Yamaha – Evan Bros), the first Angolan rider in WorldSSP, did not finish the race.

P1 Andrea Locatelli (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team)

Another victory! Today was not so easy and the conditions here were a little bit crazy with the wind. We are stronger when it is time to race, we are ready, and this is important. Now we are working a little bit for tomorrow, but I am confident I can make another victory and I will try for this.”

P2 Philipp Oettl (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing)

I’m really happy about this result. It as a really up and down race. I tried to close the gap to Andrea, but it was not possible. The track conditions were quite slippery and the front was sliding away all the time and also the rear was difficult to control and I tried my best to stay on the bike and take as many points as possible and now I’m really happy. The team did an amazing job from yesterday to today. It was an amazing race.”

P3 Hannes Soomer (Kallio Racing)

We had quite good speed, but I messed up the Superpole so had a really bad starting position. I had a good start and I could almost stay with Andrea. Unfortunately, there is the last sector where I am not so strong, but we will try to fix it for tomorrow and maybe we can fight for the victory.

#EstorilWorldSBK WorldSSP at Circuito Estoril – Race 1
1.) Andrea Locatelli (BARDHAL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team)
2.) Philipp Oettl (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) +1.591s
3.) Hannes Soomer (Kallio Racing) +1.968s

World Supersport Race Results

Pos Rider Bike Gap
1 A. Locatelli Yamaha /
2 R. De Rosa MV Agusta +0.443
3 L.  Mahias Kawasaki +1.106
4 P. Oettl Kawasaki +1.415
5 M. Gonzalez Kawasaki +2.259
6 I.  Vinales Yamaha +2.685
7 H. Soomer Yamaha +2.998
8 S. Odendaal Yamaha +3.912
9 J.  Cluzel Yamaha +4.346
10 C. Perolari Yamaha +5.525
11 C. Oncu Kawasaki +6.323
12 A. Bassani Yamaha +6.966
13 H. Okubo Honda +10.450
14 K. Manfredi Yamaha +10.702
15 G. Hendra Pratama Yamaha +11.060
16 A. Verdoia Yamaha +11.139
17 A. Ruiz Carranza Yamaha +11.471
18 F. Fuligni MV Agusta +12.008
19 G. Van Straalen Yamaha +13.226
20 P. Hobelsberger Honda +13.743
21 V. Falcone Yamaha 1 Sec
22 V. Da Silva Barros Yamaha 1 Sec
23 D. Webb Yamaha 2 Sec
Not Classified
RET P.  Sebestyen Yamaha DNF
RET K. Hanika Yamaha DNF

World Supersport Championship Standings

Pos Rider Points
 1  Andrea Locatelli  313
 2  Lucas Mahias  204
 3  Jules Cluzel  153
 4  Philipp Oettl  151
 5  Steven Odendaal  123
 6  Raffaele De Rosa  119
 7  Manuel Gonzalez  117
 8  Hannes Soomer  107
 9  Corentin Perolari  107
 10  Isaac Vinales  106
 11  Danny Webb  74
 12  Can Alexander Oncu  63
 13  Peter Sebestyen  49
 14  Kevin Manfredi  39
 15  Kyle Smith  36
 16  Andy Verdoia  34
 17  Federico Fuligni  32
 18  Axel Bassani  29
 19  Alejandro Ruiz Carranza  25
 20  Miquel Pons  16
 21  Hikari Okubo  12
 22  Loris Cresson  12
 23  Galang Hendra Pratama  12
 24  Karel Hanika  11
 25  Patrick Hobelsberger  6
 26  Glenn Van Straalen  4
 27  Maria Herrera  2
 28  Jaimie Van Sikkelerus  2
 29  Luigi Montella  1

World Supersport 300

Action all the way through the race was the story of the day in the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship as the World Championship was decided in Race 1 of the Pirelli Estoril Round at the Circuito Estoril as Jeffrey Buis (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT) took the Riders’ Championship as he finished in sixth place as Mika Perez (Prodina Ircos Team WorldSSP300) won the race.

FIM Supersport 300 World Championship

There was drama from the start as Alfonso Coppola (Kawasaki GP Project), Hugo de Cancellis (Team TRASIMENO) and Thomas Brianti (Prodina Ircos Team WorldSSP300) all crashed out in the same incident while Filippo Rovelli (Kawasaki ParkinGO Team) pulled up with mechanical issues on the opening lap. De Cancellis was taken to the medical centre for a check-up following the incident and later declared unfit with a facial trauma, a deep wound to his third finger on the left hand and a right thigh contusion.

A four-way battle for the lead broke out as Perez claimed the victory by just 0.013s ahead of Koen Meuffels (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT) and Tom Booth-Amos (RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) in third; Booth-Amos just 0.055s away from taking another win in the 2020 season. Bruno Ieraci (Kawasaki GP Project) finished in fourth place as part of that battle, two tenths back from Booth-Amos. Perez’s winning margin of 0.013s was the second-closest victory of all time in WorldSSP300, and it was the third-closest podium finish of all-time.

Mika Perez (Prodina Ircos Team WorldSSP300) leading

Victor Rodriguez Nuñez (EAB Ten Kate Racing) finished in fourth place as he held off a five-way battle for fifth place including the two Championship contenders, with Buis finishing in sixth place and Samuel di Sora (Leader Team Flembbo) in seventh; Scott Deroue (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT), who had looked like taking the Championship battle to the final race, finished in eighth. Buis finishing ahead of Deroue meant the teenager claimed his first World Championship and became the first non-Spanish Champion in WorldSSP300. Buis beat Deroue on a race to the line with the smallest margin separating the two teammates.

Meikon Kawakami (Team Brasil AD 78) finished just two tenths away from Rodriguez Nuñez but was down in ninth place, half a second away from his brother, Ton Kawakami (Yamaha MS Racing), who rounded out the top ten. Kevin Sabatucci (Kawasaki GP Project) finished in 11th place, ahead of Yuta Okaya (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT).

Jeffrey Buis – FIM Supersport 300 World Champion

Marc Garcia (2R Racing) finished in 13th place ahead of ahead of Turkish star Bahattin Sofuoglu (Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha WorldSSP300) in 14th and Jose Luis Perez Gonzalez (Machado Came SBK) completing the points-paying positions; fellow Spanish rider Adrian Huertas (ProGP Racing) missing out on points by less than half a tenth of a second.

Jeffrey Buis – FIM Supersport 300 World Champion

Tom Bramich (Carl Cox-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) and Tom Edwards (Kawasaki ParkinGO Team) did not finish the race after suffering issues throughout the 10-lap contest, while Petr Svoboda (WRP Wepol Racing) crashed on Lap 6 of the race which forced him out of the battle.

Unai Orradre (Yamaha MS Racing) and polesitter Nick Kalinin (Battley-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) racing collided at the chicane in the latter stages of the race but both were able to get up of their own accord following the incident, although both were forced to retire. Alejandro Carrion (ACCR Smrz Racing by Blue Garage) retired from the race following his trip through the gravel at Turn 1.

P1 Mika Perez (Prodina Ircos Team WorldSSP300)

“This is an unbelievable feeling after one and a half years struggling a lot where I had really bad luck. I am back on the podium and also winning is very nice. The team did an incredible job and I am so happy. Tomorrow we have to go for another win!”

P2 Koen Meuffels (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT)

“I’m really happy with this podium especially after the bad luck we had during the last races. It was a tough race but a fair fight but now I am focussed on tomorrow to end the season strongly.”

P3 Tom Booth-Amos (RT Motorsports by SKM – Kawasaki)

“It was not an easy race. Starting from ninth, it’s always going to be difficult. I would be lying if I said I’m not disappointed to win it. I felt like I had the race under control, but I made a little mistake at the chicane on the last lap and I guess the guys behind me had enough to slipstream me to the line. I’m a little bit disappointed but we’ve got some things to work on to fix for tomorrow. Happy to be back on the podium after a while.”

#EstorilWorldSBK WorldSSP300 at Circuito Estoril – Race 1
1.) Mika Perez (Prodina Ircos Team WorldSSP300)
2.) Koen Meuffels (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT) +0.013s
3.) Tom Booth-Amos (RT Motorsports by SKM – Kawasaki) +0.055s

WSSP300 Race Results

Pos Rider Bike Class Gap
1 M. Perez Kawasaki A /
2 K. Meuffels Kawasaki A +0.013
3 T. Booth-Amos Kawasaki B +0.055
4 B. Ieraci Kawasaki A +0.234
5 V. Rodriguez Nunez Yamaha A +5.764
6 J.  Buis Kawasaki A +5.782
7 S. Di Sora Kawasaki A +5.805
8 S. Deroue Kawasak B +5.829
9 M. Kawakami Yamaha B +5.988
10 T. Kawakami Yamaha B +6.612
11 K. Sabatucci Kawasaki B +6.899
12 Y. Okaya Kawasaki B +8.286
13 M. Garcia Kawasaki A +8.932
14 B. Sofuoglu Yamaha B +9.660
15 J.  Perez Gonzalez Yamaha B +12.649
16 A. Huertas Yamaha B +12.674
17 J.  Gimbert Kawasaki A +13.114
18 A. Diaz Yamaha A +18.826
19 A. Kroh Yamaha A +18.884
20 T. Bercot Yamaha B +18.899
21 M. Gaggi Yamaha A +32.255
22 D. Blin Yamaha A +32.335
23 O. Nunez Roldan Kawasaki B +32.591
24 S. Markarian Yamaha B +32.611
25 M. Gennai Yamaha A +33.740
26 A. Zanca Kawasaki B +46.635
Not Classified
RET A. Carrion Kawasaki A 3 Laps
RET U. Orradre Yamaha A 3 Laps
RET N. Kalinin Kawasaki A 4 Laps
RET P. Svoboda Yamaha B 6 Laps
RET T. Edwards Kawasaki B 6 Laps
RET T. Bramich Kawasaki A 7 Laps
RET F. Rovelli Kawasaki A 9 Laps
RET A. Coppola Kawasaki B /
RET H. De Cancellis Yamaha B /
RET T. Brianti Kawasaki B /

WSSP300 Championship Standings

Pos Rider Points
 1  Jeffrey Buis  213
 2  Scott Deroue  183
 3  Bahattin Sofuoglu  129
 4  Tom Booth-Amos  110
 5  Unai Orradre  98
 6  Ana Carrasco  97
 7  Mika Perez  96
 8  Koen Meuffels  91
 9  Thomas Brianti  80
 10  Yuta Okaya  79
 11  Samuel Di Sora  68
 12  Bruno Ieraci  66
 13  Hugo De Cancellis  65
 14  Meikon Kawakami  65
 15  Ton Kawakami  45
 16  Marc Garcia  44
 17  Kevin Sabatucci  42
 18  Adrian Huertas  35
 19  Nick Kalinin  29
 20  Victor Rodriguez Nunez  20
 21  Filippo Rovelli  20
 22  Tom Edwards  17
 23  Alvaro Diaz  17
 24  Inigo Iglesias Bravo  15
 25  Alan Kroh  13
 26  Glenn Van Straalen  13
 27  Enzo De La Vega  12
 28  Alfonso Coppola  12
 29  Felipe Macan  10
 30  Johan Gimbert  7
 31  Oliver Konig  5
 32  Daniel Mogeda  4
 33  Filip Salac  4
 34  Alejandro Carrion  4
 35  Kim Aloisi  3
 36  Tom Bramich  2
 37  Angel Heredia  2
 38  Jose Luis Perez Gonzalez  1
 39  Daniel Blin  1
 40  Paolo Grassia  1
 41  Tom Bercot  1
 42  Mirko Gennai  1

Estoril Sunday Schedule

Time Class Session
1900 WorldSBK WUP
1925 WorldSSP WUP
1950 WorldSSP300 WUP
2100 WorldSBK Superpole Race
2230 WorldSSP Race 2
000 WorldSBK Race 2
0115 (Mon) WorldSSP300 Race 2

2020 WorldSBK Calendar

  1. March 1 – Phillip Island
  2. August 2 – Jerez
  3. August 9 – Portimao
  4. August 30 – Aragon
  5. September 6 – Aragon
  6. September 20 – Catalunya
  7. October 4 – Magny-Cours
  8. October 18 – Estoril

Source: MCNews.com.au

Rea Wins Sixth Straight WorldSBK Title

I have no feeling right now; I cannot even look back. It has been an incredible journey this season. I want to thank WorldSBK, Dorna, all the circuits and organisers to even get racing this year. In the middle of what everyone has experienced in 2020 sport always comes second – but we managed to race. I miss the fans here, I miss not having my family and friends here, and all my travelling support from back home in Northern Ireland; I really miss that. They cannot be here right now but it is for all of them and my Kawasaki Racing Team, for keeping pushing this season. We started behind like last year but never gave up. It has been a hell of a journey and I am so happy.


Jonathan Rea secured his sixth successive WorldSBK Riders’ Championship in Estoril today with a fourth place in the opening 21-lap race o
Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook

Redding P1 at Estoril on Friday as WSBK finale gets underway

2020 WorldSBK Round Eight – Estoril

For the first time in 27 years, the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship took to the track at the Circuito Estoril with two Free Practice sessions and it was Scott Redding (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati) who topped the combined time-sheets as he used his experienced at the Portuguese circuit to his advantage in the early stages of the Pirelli Estoril Round.

Scott Redding – P1

I am satisfied with what we have done today. In the afternoon we tried some solutions but they didn’t work as we hoped so we went back to the morning set up. The new circuit? It’s a normal situation this season. I could say that this weekend the other riders will also try this kind of experience that has been a constant for me throughout most of the season. My target for tomorrow? A good qualifying will be crucial for all races“.

Scott Redding

Redding had set the pace in the morning Free Practice 1 session and backed that up with the fastest time in Free Practice 2, posting a 1’36.886s in the last few seconds of the second session to pip Toprak Razgatlioglu (PATA Yamaha ) to top spot; the Turkish rider finishing the day in second place. Frenchman Loris Baz (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) showed strong pace throughout the day and finished in third place despite a crash in Free Practice 2.

Toprak Razgatlıoğlu – P2

Today was my birthday but also I am happy with how it has gone at this new track. I have always liked the look of the circuit, but I’ve never ridden it! I like it because of the very hard braking layout and the flowing corners. Today we finished in second position, and I am really pleased to start this last race weekend of 2020 like this because I want to finish the season well – and I also need to score a podium again! We will keep working on some small areas to improve the feeling and, with it, the lap time. It feels good now, but we need to find a little bit extra for better turning and grip to improve the final result.

Toprak Razgatlıoğlu

Baz went into Turn 1 as he tried to find the limit but lost the front end of his bike and was unable to bring the bike back to the garage himself after damaging a water hose on his Yamaha. The Ten Kate Racing team were able to repair his bike and the French rider returned to the track with around 10 minutes left in the session.

Loris Baz

Five-time World Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) put in the fourth best time of the day as he looks to secure both his 100th win and six title across the Estoril Round weekend, edging out team-mate Alex Lowes by just a tenth of a second. American star Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team) was sixth fastest despite an off in the second session; the third Yamaha rider in the top six of the combined times.

Jonathan Rea – P4

The track is really nice; a big challenge because there are a lot of technical aspects. It is enjoyable and fun to ride. It is also quite ‘busy’ to ride on a more than 200 horsepower WorldSBK bike. It is day one and honestly I am still leaning the way around. Even in the last laps I felt I was doing different things on the bike and trying to understand the best way to attack it. We understood two rear tyre options and the track layout a little bit and we now need to improve the bike set-up for Saturday, especially during trail braking. My rhythm with used tyres is very strong so if I can find just a little bit more performance I can fight for the podium, and possibly even better. That is the target. I will try to forget about the championship as I have three chances to wrap that up but we are in a good position because in FP2 I felt a lot better than in FP1. Even on old tyres I set my fastest lap. All good for the opening day.”

Jonathan Rea
Alex Lowes – P5

I like the layout here. It is quite a small track, the sections are all inside each other and the surface is quite good. I heard some reports that the track was quite bumpy, and there are corners with some bumps, but honestly it is not bad. To go to a new track is always good fun. It is a little bit different, and I am not sure which other circuit I can compare it to. It is a lot tighter and smaller than I expected but I enjoyed riding the track for the first time. I feel OK on the bike but we do not really know how things will turn out yet until we can get in a few more sessions and everything settles down a little bit more. I enjoyed it today.”

Alex Lowes

Chaz Davies (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati) finished the day in seventh places, less than a second away from team-mate Redding at the front of the field as he beat wildcard Jonas Folger (Bonovo Action by MGM Racing) by just 0.002s; Folger making his second appearance of the season as a wildcard. He was around a tenth faster than Michael van der Mark (PATA Yamaha) and Leon Haslam (Team HRC), who completed the top ten.

Chaz Davies – P7

All in all, things didn’t go wrong today. I raced here 15 years ago in the 250cc Championship but it is clear that the conditions with the Superbike are completely different. That’s why in Fp1 I tried to get familiar with the circuit to understand where it will be possible to attack and where it will be necessary to manage the tyres. In the FP2 the situation has improved but we will still have to work on the setup and electronics to take the step forward that we need to be competitive tomorrow“.

Chaz Davies
Michael van der Mark – P9

It’s been a difficult day for us, obviously it’s a new track and this morning I had to try out some different gearing and find a good set-up, which isn’t that easy. We’re struggling quite a lot with the balance and the turning. I thought in the afternoon we could make a good step forward, but we are still not where we need it to be. We have quite a lot of work to do for tomorrow, the differences are really small but I feel like we have to make a big step in set-up so we can improve our potential result.”

Leon Haslam – P10

Things went a better this afternoon I’d say. We have taken some small steps forward with the electronics and worked with a different tyre, the soft solution, which I felt was more effective. We’re not so far away from where we need to be, less than a tenth off through the first sectors in fact, but we’re losing a little time through the final sectors, so we need to analyse that and see what we can do to improve in that area tomorrow.”

Leon Haslam

Alvaro Bautista (Team HRC) finished the day in 11th place as the Spanish rider looks to bounce back from a challenging Magny-Cours weekend; but the Spanish rider crashed in Free Practice 2 at Turn 7.

Alvaro Bautista – P11

Today has provided us with track references for the CBR. This morning we had some problems with rear grip and having tried different solutions, we improved a little bit but not enough. In the afternoon we took a step forward with the electronics. We also used the SC0 Pirelli tyre for almost the entire second session. It’s not my usual favourite but I didn’t feel bad. For the last run, to make a direct comparison, we went back to the SCX, the tyre I usually feel better with, and I was actually making a good lap but then I fell in the third sector. I think we could have shaved off a few tenths because I felt like I had better contact, especially through the “esses”. Not a bad day anyway, and we will try to use all the information we gathered to further improve tomorrow.

Alvaro Bautista

Tom Sykes (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was in 12th place, ahead of Ducati-bound Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team GOELEVEN) in 13th.

Tom Sykes – P12

It’s early days. It is my first time at this track and I don’t want to be pushing the boundaries but gather relevant information. I certainly enjoy the track. It is a fantastic layout. I am just getting to know my way around the Estoril circuit and I have to say it’s just such a good and enjoyable place to ride. We’ve had a couple of little experiments today; we’ve tried the combination of the set-up with the tyres, we’ve gathered a lot of information and of the back of this, I have to be quite happy. Looking at the times, it seems at the moment that the V-configuration, the cross-plane cranks have a little bit of an advantage with the circuit layout and what grip it has to offer. So, we will have a good sit-down now and see if we can try and eat into this deficit that we’ve got. For now, it’s just day one and tomorrow, we will try to put the pieces in the jigsaw together.”

Spanish rider Xavi Fores (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was 14th as he marks his last weekend with the Kawasaki Puccetti outfit, finishing a tenth ahead of Sylvain Barrier (Brixx Performance). Italian Federico Caricasulo (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team) was 16th, ahead of the returning Matteo Ferrari (Barni Racing Team) in 17th and Eugene Laverty (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) in 18th.

Leandro Mercado (Motocorsa Racing), Eric Granado (MIE Racing HONDA Team), Sheridan Morais (ORELAC Racing VerdNatura), Takumi Takahashi (MIE Racing HONDA Team) and Loris Cresson (OUTDO Kawasaki TPR) rounded out the field; Granado, Morais and Cresson making their first WorldSBK appearance of the season.

WorldSBK Friday Combined Times

Pos Rider Bike Time/Gap
1 S. Redding Ducati 1m36.886
2 T. Razgatlioglu Yamaha +0.089
3 L. Baz Yamaha +0.198
4 J. Rea Kawasaki +0.557
5 A. Lowes Kawasaki +0.677
6 G. Gerloff Yamaha +0.720
7 C. Davies Ducati +0.740
8 J. Folger Yamaha +0.742
9 M. Van Der Mark Yamaha +0.889
10 L. Haslam Honda +0.997
11 A. Bautista Honda +1.028
12 T. Sykes BMW +1.050
13 M. Rinaldi Ducati +1.355
14 X. Fores Kawasaki +1.380
15 S. Barrier Ducati +1.489
16 F. Caricasulo Yamaha +1.629
17 M. Ferrari Ducati +1.880
18 E. Laverty BMW +2.039
19 L. Mercado Ducati +2.215
20 E. Granado Honda +2.440
21 S. Morais Kawasaki +2.822
22 T. Takahashi Honda +2.901
23 L. Cresson Kawasaki +5.797

World Supersport

The FIM Supersport World Championship arrived at the Circuito Estoril for the season finale with two practice sessions throughout Friday with Italian rider Raffaele de Rosa (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) topping the times in the combined classification by almost two-tenths.

De Rosa had been strong in the morning Free Practice 1 session with third place and built on that throughout the second session as he became one of only two riders to lap the circuit in under 1’41. The Italian’s time of 1’40.745s was enough to beat Estonian rider Hannes Soomer (Kallio Racing) by half a tenth as WorldSBK-bound Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) finished the day in third place; with three manufacturers completing the top three as MV Agusta led Yamaha and Kawasaki.

Spanish rider Isaac Viñales (Kallio Racing) completed a strong day for the Kallio Racing outfit in fourth place, despite a crash in this morning’s session, as both Viñales and Soomer finished inside the top four, with South African Steven Odendaal (EAB Ten Kate Racing) in fifth place and Jules Cluzel (GMT94 Yamaha) in sixth; Cluzel returning to action for the first time since being injured earlier in the season in a crash at MotorLand Aragon.

Peter Sebestyen (OXXO Yamaha Team Toth) found himself well inside the top ten after a strong showing from the Hungarian rider put him seventh overall, ahead of 2020 WorldSSP Champion and 2021 factory Yamaha rider Andrea Locatelli (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team) in eighth with Philipp Oettl (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) in ninth; the German rider just one of two who were unable to improve their time in the second practice session.

Czech wildcard Karel Hanika (WRP Wepol Racing) finished the day in 10th place with Corentin Perolari (GMT94 Yamaha) in 11th; Perolari crashing at Turn 7 during the second Free Practice session. Manuel Gonzalez (Kawasaki ParkinGO Team) was in 12th place ahead of lead WorldSSP Challenge rider Kevin Manfredi (Altogoo Racing Team); Manfredi can win the WorldSSP Challenge title this weekend. Can Öncü (Turkish Racing Team) was 14th fastest overall after not improving his time during Free Practice 2 while Danny Webb (WRP Wepol Racing) completed the top 15 after suffering a crash of his own during the second session.

WorldSSP Friday Times

Pos Rider Bike Time/Gap
1 L.  Mahias Kawasaki 1m41.193
2 I.  Vinales Yamaha +0.054
3 R. De Rosa Mv Agusta +0.115
4 P. Oettl Kawasaki +0.283
5 C. Perolari Yamaha +0.540
6 C. Oncu Kawasaki +0.600
7 H. Soomer Yamaha +0.708
8 A. Locatelli Yamaha +0.754
9 J.  Cluzel Yamaha +0.771
10 S. Odendaal Yamaha +0.944
11 D. Webb Yamaha +0.952
12 K. Hanika Yamaha +1.180
13 M. Gonzalez Kawasaki +1.539
14 A. Bassani Yamaha +1.577
15 P. Sebestyen Yamaha +1.693
16 A. Verdoia Yamaha +1.883
17 H. Okubo Honda +1.892
18 A. Ruiz Carranza Yamaha +2.098
19 K. Manfredi Yamaha +2.438
20 22  F. Fuligni Mv Agusta +2.748
21 52  P. Hobelsberger Honda +3.308
22 9 G. Hendra Pratama Yamaha +4.212
23 30  G. Van Straalen Yamaha +4.579
24 21  V. Falcone Yamaha +4.782
25 28  V. Da Silva Barros Yamaha +5.953

WorldSSP300

There was no shortage of action during the two Free Practice sessions for the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship on Friday as Italian rider Bruno Ieraci (Kawasaki GP Project) set the pace at the Championship’s first ever visit to the Circuito Estoril as the season-closing Pirelli Estoril Round got underway with the Riders’ Championship still up for grabs.

Ieraci’s time of 1’51.514 from Free Practice 2 was enough to set the fastest time of the day as the Italian struck first ahead of two races across the Estoril Round, hoping he can end the season strongly. He finished ahead of Mika Perez (Prodina Ircos Team WorldSSP300) in second place as the Spanish rider showed strong pace, finishing ahead of Ukraine’s Nick Kalinin (Battley-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) who demonstrated impressive Friday pace.

Marc Garcia (2R Racing) finished the day fourth in the standings as he continued his impressive return to the Championship he won in 2017; finishing just ahead of Alvaro Diaz (Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha WorldSSP300) and Tom Booth-Amos (RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki); the top six separated by eight tenths of a second.

Samuel di Sora (Leader Team Flembbo) was seventh overall after the two practice sessions on Friday, finishing 0.064s away from Booth-Amos to show just how competitive the Championship is. In eighth was Alejandro Carrion (ACCR Smrz Racing by Blue Garage) as the Spanish rider showed strong pace, ahead of Jose Luis Perez Gonzalez (Machado Came SBK) and Bahattin Sofuoglu (Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha WorldSSP300) who completed the top ten.

Championship leader Jeffrey Buis (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT) finished the day in 15th place, over a second away from Ieraci’s time, with Championship leader and Deroue’s teammate Jeffrey Buis in 18th place; Buis leads Deroue by 28 points heading into the two final races of the season and will be looking to move up the order as the weekend progresses.

Luca de Vleeschauwer (RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) suffered a nasty highside crash as he went through the final corner at the Circuito Estoril with the Belgian unable to take any further part in the session; he was taken to the medical centre for a check-up following the crash, before being declared fit. The Belgian rider finished the day in 33rd place following the crash. Sylvain Markarian (Yamaha MS Racing) and teammate Ton Kawakami both crashed out in the second Free Practice session with both able to get back to their feet following the crash; Markarian finishing the day in 44th place while Kawakami was 25th.

Tom Edwards was the leading Aussie in 20th with countryman Tom Bramich 28th.

WorldSSP300 Combined Times

Pos Rider Bike Class Time/Gap
1 B. Ieraci Kawasaki A 1m51.514
2 M. Perez Kawasaki A +0.092
3 N. Kalinin Kawasaki A +0.632
4 M. Garcia Kawasaki A +0.734
5 A. Diaz Yamaha A +0.750
6 T. Booth-Amos Kawasaki B +0.814
7 S. Di Sora Kawasaki A +0.867
8 A. Carrion Kawasaki A +0.880
9 J. Perez Gonzalez Yamaha B +0.938
10 B. Sofuoglu Yamaha B +0.969
11 F. Rovelli Kawasaki A +1.052
12 A. Kroh Yamaha A +1.102
13 V. Rodriguez Nunez Yamaha A +1.147
14 M. Kawakami Yamaha B +1.199
15 S. Deroue Kawasaki B +1.212
16 U. Orradre Yamaha A 1.216
17 K. Meuffels Kawasaki A +1.251
18 J. Buis Kawasaki A +1.278
19 D. Blin Yamaha A +1.397
20 T. Edwards Kawasaki B +1.438
21 M. Gennai Yamaha A +1.464
22 P. Svoboda Yamaha B +1.484
23 H. De Cancellis Yamaha B +1.529
24 A. Coppola Kawasaki B +1.556
25 T. Kawakami Yamaha B +1.669
26 A. Huertas Yamaha B +1.729
27 Y. Okaya Kawasaki B +1.801
28 T. Bramich Kawasaki A +1.813
29 F. Macan Yamaha A +1.813
30 M. Gaggi Yamaha A +1.821
31 O. Nunez Roldan Kawasaki B +1.875
32 E. De La Vega Yamaha B +2.119
33 L. De Vleeschauwer Bel Kawasaki B +2.139
34 K. Sabatucci Kawasaki B +2.260
35 T. Bercot Yamaha B +2.331
36 T. Brianti Kawasaki B +2.406
37 T. Alonso Kawasaki A +2.567
38 M. Duarte Yamaha A +2.631
39 J. Gimbert Kawasaki A +2.662
40 A. Zanca Kawasaki B +2.797
41 H. Yebra Perez Kawasaki B +3.449
42 P. Fragoso Yamaha A +3.450
43 K. Aloisi Yamaha A +3.726
44 S. Markarian Yamaha B +4.038
45 A. Quinet Kawasaki B +4.612
46 S. Sanchez Tamayo Kawasaki B +4.724
47 J. Mcmanus Kawasaki A +4.873
48 L. Simon Kawasaki B +5.449
49 S. Zuda Kawasaki B +5.518
50 I.  Offer Kawasaki A +6.937
51 L. Gruau Kawasaki A +9.049

Championship Points

Source: MCNews.com.au