OFFICIAL PROGRAMME
“ I ’ m very happy , it was a really difficult race because a lot of people had good pace ,” said race one winer Garcia-Abella . “ Heading onto the final lap , I had a good strategy to win . I very much enjoyed the race and I ’ m looking forward to Race 2 and getting another strong result hopefully .”
The second race began later that same afternoon . The spectators and WorldSBK paddock in general got to witness another epic battle for victory . Pole-sitter Vannucci and Race 1 podium finisher Repák , nicknamed “ Terminator ,” traded places at the front all race long , but in the end it was the Slovakian who would go on to win , ahead of Vannucci . Mora made it five different podium finishers for the weekend . 26 of the 27 riders made it to the chequered flag , as the youngsters demonstrated experience beyond their years to ensure fair and clean racing while on the limit .
Just to cap off the experience for the podium riders WorldSBK superstar Toprak Razgatlioglu was part of the race two presentation .
Having finished second in Race 1 and first in Race 2 , Repák left Misano with the championship lead and a great deal of hard-earned personal satisfaction : “ It was a great race , I made a couple of mistakes at the start but I was in a good position ,” he said . “ Matteo pulled a gap at the front , maybe almost a second at one point , then we had a battle behind . I managed to get free of the fight and catch up to the leader . I saw there was a nice gap behind us , so I kept showing to Matteo that he should stay behind me so we could pull away . On the final long straight we were side-by-side and heading into the corner I took a really defensive line , and managed to keep him behind . Then I held it going through the final corner and just gave it full gas to the line for the victory .”
At the culmination of the first ever Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Cup weekend there were no technical issues evident , demonstrating the reliability of the Yamaha R3 bikes and the high level of support from the JIR mechanics .
The series will next head to the United Kingdom , supporting the WorldSBK championship once again , this time at the famous Donington Park circuit , where the youngsters will look to build on their promising performances from Misano . In summation of a successful opening weekend , Barozzi said of the championship he is managing , “ Supporting the new racing generation has always been what the bLU cRU program is about , and what the 27 riders showed during the opening Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Cup round was fantastic . We are very proud of them all , they followed our tips and managed their emotions . Considering that for most of them this was the first experience of being under the watch of the WorldSBK paddock , they held it together and put on two great races . They worked closely with our bLU cRU ambassador , walked around in the same paddock as some of motorcycle racing ’ s most prolific stars , so for these youngsters it has been a whirlwind of emotions . In all the sessions they barely put a foot wrong , and 10 riders were able to compete for the victory . All the rest of them showed their talent and I ’ m confident that they will close the gap to the front during the season . There was a great atmosphere amongst the riders , and they demonstrated the bLU cRU spirit with their respectful attitude . Special thanks to all the parents and the JIR staff , who worked hard , and I was very proud of the positive approach . All partners that have been a part of this project have been very supportive on the technical side , and ensured everything ran as well as it could have . Ready for the next round at Donington Park , where we ’ re eager to see how the bLU cRU riders will get on .” The next is indeed at Donington this weekend , of course , but in all there will be six rounds this season , each featuring two races . After the Misano and UK adventures the rounds will take place at Assen ( 23 – 24 July ), Most ( 6 – 7 August ), Magny-Cours ( 3 – 4 September ) and Barcelona ( 17 – 18 September ). Watch out for the next Razgatlioglu in the making as youth gets a chance to shine on completely equal machinery and inside the biggest production-derived racing paddock of all
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