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The official race report service of Kawasaki Racing Team.

10 September 2022

Top Five Places For Can And Yari

Kawasaki Puccetti Racing team-mates Can Öncü and Yari Montella scored fourth and fifth places finishes respectively in a shortened WorldSSP Race One at Magny Cours. The race was eventually run over only 12 laps, not the planned 19.

In the Superpole qualifying session, at a dry but overcast 4.411km long circuit on Saturday morning, Öncü placed seventh on the grid and Montella 14th.

Despite these less than ideal starting positions each rider put in good early work once the race got underway, making moves on their rivals in their desire to get into podium positions.

Can occasionally led after making a good start off the line, while it took Yari a little more time to come through to the leading group from the fifth row of the grid.

As the race reached the planned midpoint both leading Kawasaki riders slowly lost contact with the eventual podium trio.

A crash involving two riders, behind the leading groups, brought out the red flags and with two-thirds of race distance having just been completed, the race was declared as over, with full championship points awarded.

Race Two will take place on Sunday 11 September, at 12.30 CET.

Can Öncü, stated: “The red flag prevented me from pushing to catch the leaders and battle for the podium. I’m not pleased with the result, but at least we’ve shown that we’re competitive and can fight for the win. We have the potential to do well, and I hope we can demonstrate that in tomorrow’s race. Thanks to my team, they’ve done a great job.”

Yari Montella, stated: “Considering my grid position, fifth place is a good result. I wasn’t able to make a clean lap in Superpole and so had to start from the fifth row. I knew I had good pace and was very focused as the race started. I pushed to the max without making any mistakes and, in the end, I finished fifth. For tomorrow, we’ll make a few changes to the bike, but we’re basically ready and will be aiming for a top result. I want to thank the team as they’ve been a big help.”

WorldSSP rookie Adrian Huertas (MTM Kawasaki) rode to third place in the pre-race Superpole qualifying session at Magny Cours and finished the opening race in a strong eight position.

Tom Booth-Amos (Prodina Racing Kawasaki) rode a gritty race to finish in 20th place, after suffering a heavy crash on Friday in FP2.

Ben Currie (Motozoo Racing by Puccetti Kawasaki) crashed out of the race and no-scored. Jeffrey Buis (Motozoo Racing by Puccetti Kawasaki) was 26th on Saturday in France.

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