Having seen both of its riders in the lead following the final free practice session, qualifying and Saturday’s race promised great performances for the GMT94 riders. After setting the second and third fastest times in Superpole, Jules Cluzel and Corentin Perolari started the race with confidence.
The Portimao round marked the first highlight of the World Supersport Championship, as for the first time this season Jules Cluzel was in a position to fight for victory. While Jules was making an effort to put maximum pressure on his opponent, a loss of the front at low speed during the 13th loop reduced any hope of victory. Jules was still able to get back on track and finished 6th.
This fall gave Corentin Perolari’s group the opportunity to fight for the podium. Falling just 11-thousandths behind, the #94 rider came within a whisker of third place.
Success was not on the GMT94’s side in Race 1, but everything says that Jules and Corentin will be able to do better tomorrow.
Jules Cluzel: “I crashed when I was trying to increase the pressure on my direct rival. For the first time of the season we were able to fight for victory, but this 6th place still has a bitter taste. Tomorrow it will be possible again to fight for victory. »
Corentin Perolari: “I really built my race to surprise my group and take 3rd place. I failed to finish at 11 thousandths, it’s a shame, but fortunately we have a second chance tomorrow. »
Christophe Guyot: “Before the start of the race, we were in agreement with Jules. We had to try our luck during this race. He tried, it didn’t go through, and there’s nothing to regret. The race is sometimes unfair, but we have another chance to shine tomorrow. Corentin showed that he had character by holding on to the group in third place and positioning himself perfectly at the start of the last corner. He narrowly failed, and we can count on him for the second race tomorrow at 12:30 pm (local time). »
The whole GMT94 team wishes a speedy recovery to Sandro Cortese, who fell heavily in the Superbike race. Good luck to you Sandro, we hope to see you soon in the paddock!
8 August 2020
