The fifth WorldSSP300 round drew to a close today at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimao, Portugal.
In yesterday’s first race, Elia Bartolini just missed out on the podium, finishing P5 but just a few thousandths of a second from the riders ahead of him. Unfortunately, Emiliano Ercolani was forced to retire from the race after a technical setback.
Today, in very hot conditions, the Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSSP300 Team was back on track for Race 2.
Bartolini made a very fast start, and this allowed him to immediately move up into the leading group. Elia continued to fight for victory all the way to the line but, like yesterday, was denied a podium in the final seconds, the rider again finishing fifth, first among the Yamaha riders.
Ercolani ran a prudent race, the rider finishing just outside the points zone, in P16, thanks to his consistent pace.
The next WorldSSP300 round will take place on 8-10 September at the Nevers Magny-Cours circuit in France.
“The Portimao weekend has confirmed our excellent teamwork and our riders’ solid progress. Bartolini scored his best results of the season, while Ercolani was unlucky but showed good potential. We head into the next rounds will greater optimism.”
“I didn’t start badly but then I was caught up in a big group of riders and so by the time I’d got past them, the group ahead was already gone. I tried to make up as much time and ground as possible anyway, and missed out on points by just one position. I’m sure we can do better at the next Magny Cours round.”
“Today’s race was similar to that of yesterday, though today I was able to remain at the front throughout. I’m sorry I didn’t reach the podium, but I’m pleased that we were able to demonstrate our progress and be in the mix for the win here in Portugal.”
