WorldSSP: Having started from pole position, Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) was jumped at the start by Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing), but the Spaniard retook the lead and led every lap to dominate the opening race of the season.
Masia claimed victory by over five seconds.
Phillip Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) started the season with 20 points for second position, but it was Oli Bayliss who stole the show with a home podium. The Australian, riding for the PTR Triumph Factory Racing team, ran wide at Siberia mid-race and almost crashed. He showed maturity to keep a cool head after the incident and came out on top of a three-rider fight for the final step on the podium. It was the first podium of Bayliss’ World Championship career.
Having started from the front row, Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) crashed at Turn 2 while trying to chase down Masia in the early stages of the 18-lap race. His fellow front-row starter, Valentin Debise (ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing), crashed at Turn 4 after running in the podium fight.
Masia, Oettl and Booth-Amos will start from the front row in Race 2 courtesy of their fastest laps of the race. Bayliss and Debise will start from the second and third rows respectively.
P1 – Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing Verdnatura):
“I’m really happy with my performance. It was a strange race but I knew I had strong pace and focused on myself. This was the key to winning. Thanks to my team and to everyone at home for supporting me because it’s during the night! We’ll keep working to be even more competitive tomorrow.”
Race 1 Results
1. Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) 18 laps
2. Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) +5.521s
3. Oli Bayliss (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) +7.266s
4. Albert Arenas (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) +7.721s
5. Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) +7.743s
6. Matteo Ferrari (WRP Racing) +11.856s
Fastest Lap: Jaume Masia (Ducati), 1’32.115s
For more info checkout our dedicated WorldSSP (World SuperSport) News page superbike-news.co.uk/world-supersport/
Or visit the official World Superbike website worldsbk.com
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©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of WorldSBK.com
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