After a good first progression in Superpole, Jules Cluzel started from the 8th place on the starting grid of race 1. Andy Verdoia, had obtained an honorable 11th position.
A difficult start slowed down the GMT94 riders in the first laps. Indeed, overtaking for the Yamaha’s is more difficult since this race, following a change in the rules. In addition to the weight penalty imposed on lightweight riders, the FIM has allocated an increase in power to the New Generation Supersport bikes (+600cc). Yamaha’s are faster in corner entry and in corner speed, but they are not as fast as their rivals with a bigger cc in the acceleration phase. This requires more aggressive and risky overtaking by the riders. It is thus necessary to be able to take its time not to make a mistake, what the two GMT94 riders managed to do.
Jules was able to climb back up to the 4th place group, doing laps in 1’38. He finished 7th, just a few thousandths behind the leader of the pack. Andy Verdoia finished the race in 13th place, and battled with many other riders.
See you tomorrow at 12:30 on Eurosport for the start of Race 2 !