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SBK, RACE 1: BIAGGI CLIMBS ATOP THE THIRD STEP OF THE PODIUM

It was warm and sunny at the Portimao circuit for Race 1 of the last SBK round of the season. Spies, on his Factory Yamaha, seized the victory, 1:697 ahead of Rea and 2:113 ahead of Max Biaggi who finished in third place on his RSV4.

Spies started off well from the pole position, followed by Biaggi and the two riders immediately broke away from Rea and Byrne who attempted to keep up. The American pushed the pace, trying to get away from Biaggi, but Max wouldn’t give up. During the eleventh lap, Rea managed to catch up to the leaders and during the sixteenth round lap Biaggi who ended up running wide at turn six. The duel between the Italian rider and the native of Northern Ireland gave Spies an advantage, allowing him to extend his lead and cross the finish line in first place, shooting him to the top of the world classification thanks in part to a fall by Haga. Just two laps from the end of the race, Rea managed to pass Biaggi at the end of the straight, holding on to the second position until he passed the chequered flag.

It was an excellent sixth place finish for Leon Camier who started off well from thirteenth position and moved up to ninth place by the fourth lap. Then he began to battle it out with Smrz, Corser and Checa, managing to pass them halfway through the race to take over sixth place. Leon tried to catch up with Fabrizio as well, but his pace wouldn’t allow it and he remained in sixth position until he reached the finish line.

“We had some small problems this weekend,” said Biaggi, “but I drove over them. I’m satisfied because I’m still hurting from yesterday’s fall and at the beginning of the race I didn’t know if I would manage to make it to the end. I was fine at the beginning, but during the final laps, I lost my strength. I managed to hold on to third place just the same, though, which I believe is an excellent result, considering my physical condition. Now we'll make some modifications to the RSV4 to try and do better in Race 2.”

Leon said “I got a really good start and pushed hard in the opening laps but it gave me more confidence in the bike. I made a few mistakes but it also allowed me to see how the bike really works. I pushed hard and really enjoyed the race, it was tough but I really enjoyed it and hope the second race goes just as well.”

Posted on 25/10/2009

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