World Supersport Rd 5, Ten Kate Honda again

Lauslehto’s latest top ten finish was another positive step on the ladder for the European Champion, despite a last corner hitch.

“I had been having some difficulty exiting that corner all the race, and on the last lap I had to try hard to keep Fujiwara behind me. But I finished with some good points again, after yet another hard race.”

Fabrizio’s disappointment was clear to see, as he trudged away from yet another possible podium finish in his full rookie WSS season.

“This is an unlucky period for me. After the mistake of Monza the clutch broke four laps from the end. I tried to make adjustments during the race but on the finish line I could not continue. I hope to make a better result in Misano, without problems. I like Misano very much and know it very well.”

Broc Parkes had his best result as a Yamaha rider, crossing the line in fifth place. Starting from the second row of the grid, the 23-year-old Australian was part of a four rider group battling for third. The result sees him move up to fourth place in the championship, which is led by Charpentier on 115 points. Katsuaki Fujiwara (Honda) is second on 90 points, with Curtain and Parkes on 80 and 51 respectively.

Broc Parkes said later: “Getting there! We’ve moved up to fourth in the championship and I am now starting to get to grips with the Yamaha. The bike really is different to ride compared with the Honda I rode last year as it has such a revvy engine. But every race we are able to improve the bike and, with me learning more about the R6, we are now much more competitive.”

Terrell Thien, Yamha germany team manager : “The race went pretty much according to plan for us. We knew that Kevin’s rear tyre wouldn’t last the distance at that sort of pace but the plan was to push to the maximum possible, build up a gap to third place and maybe force Charpentier into a mistake – he’s only human after all. But we are very happy because we are closing the gap to Charpentier to almost zero and that is thanks to our mechanics who have again worked so hard this weekend. Every time we are making big steps and this is showing not only with Kevin’s results but also with Broc, who rode very well this weekend and is starting to look more comfortable on the R6.”

SUPERSPORT RACE

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