The day in the Nièvre region couldn’t have got off to a better start for Valentin Debise, who rode his GMT94 Yamaha R6 to his first front-row qualifying position of the season. In the race, the number 94 rider found himself in 5th place at the first corner.
After a few laps, he gradually worked his way back up to 4th and then 3rd, taking the track record ( 1.40.928 ) which he held until the chequered flag. Valentin Debise finished on the podium for the first time in World Supersport, to the cheers of the public and the entire GMT94 team.
For 18-year-old Johan Gimbert, qualification was excellent, as he finished 14th on the grid, just 1 second off the best time. The progression continues for the leader of the French Championship, Wild Card holder here at Magny-Cours with a Yamaha R6 from the Val de Marnais team at his disposal.
In the race, the French rider got off to a tricky start, but who could blame him, given that the first braking maneuver at the Adelaide bend, from which he emerged 16th, is always difficult.
Little by little, Johan worked his way back up the field, putting in some excellent lap times to finish in an excellent 12th place, which remains exceptional for a young driver of just 18 years of age.
For Lorenzo Baldassarri, Saturday’s Superbike race was more difficult, as he started from the last row of the Superbike grid, having been disqualified for interfering with riders on track during Superpole.
His race didn’t quite live up to expectations. He crashed out after 12 laps.
MAGNY-COURS: GMT94 FANS OUT IN FORCE
GMT94 Yamaha fans enjoyed the show on track, as well as the events organized by the Team Val de Marnais. After a meeting with Eric de Seynes and Christophe Guyot in the official Yamaha hospitality, young and old were able to head to the village for a signing session with Valentin Debise, Johan Gimbert and Lorenzo Baldassarri.
The day ended with the GMT94 Team Manager joining partners, club members and members of the public for a tour of the circuit with commentary by Christophe Guyot, a first thanks to the resources made available by the Nevers Magny-Cours circuit.
Originally scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday, the draw at the paddock show will take place tomorrow, Sunday, at 11.30 a.m. after the Superpole race.
9 September 2023
