Jules Cluzel started from pole position in race 1 and was leading the race before a competitor hit him at the entrance of turn 12. Fortunately Jules was unhurt and was able to participate in the Sunday race. The team wishes Niki Tuuli a speedy recovery.
Federico Caricasulo continued to gain confidence on the GMT94 Yamaha R6. He started and finished the race in 6th place. Good information was reported by the new GMT94 Italian rider. He was ready to aim for the podium on the next day.
A few hours before race 2, a light rain came to the Aragon circuit. The tyre choices began for the Supersport riders. Federico started on intermediate tyres and crashed on the first lap. He has been surprised by the crash of a competitor ahead of him.
Jules Cluzel had to start from the last place on the grid because of a tyre pressure problem. Jules had 1,596 kilograms at the rear instead of the regulation 1,600 kilograms.
Following this technical incident, Jules made a fantastic comeback and took the lead of the race with three laps to go. He finished on the 3rd step of the podium.
Christophe Guyot: “It was possible for Jules to score a maximum number of points this weekend with the pole and two possible victories. We’re leaving Aragon with a podium. We are obviously disappointed, but we are confident for the rest of the season.
Federico missed some riding time on the GMT94 Yamaha R6 to get back to his 2019 confidence after his year in SBK. He’s making progress and we can expect to be playing the leading roles from next week at Estoril.“
Jules Cluzel: “We had a constructive weekend. We didn’t score the expected points, but we were very competitive. I was also happy to feel good after yesterday’s incident. I had a great feeling throughout the weekend, with a great bike, but I regret that I didn’t get a win. I felt the power of my engine compared to my competitors until I was blocked behind one of them. Our rear suspension setup didn’t allow me to keep enough grip at the end of the race to get away. Despite this I know I was the best performer this weekend, and I’m looking forward to the next race. “
Federico Caricasulo: “I have improved throughout the weekend. I feel better and better on the bike. I finished Race 1 at 4.8 seconds off the lead, and I know I can do better at Estoril. We are working efficiently with the team and I feel confident with the bike. However, I was expecting more this weekend and I want to be back on the podium in the next race. “
The second round of the World Championship will take place on the weekend of 29-30 May at Estoril (Portugal).
23 May 2021
