Öncü Takes Another Podium

2022-10-12 07:28
After a particularly tough first race on Saturday Öncü was determined to put on a better show in Race Two. He was ninth on lap one, in a race that would feature a large leading group and several moments of pure drama as the top riders traded track position with bewildering regularity.

Eighth with seven laps still to run, Can made a move forward in pace after conserving his tyres for a time. A late incident at Turn One, that saw three rivals either crash or run off track ahead of him, put Can back into contention for a podium finish.

The ultimate four rider fight saw Öncü keep hold of third place on the final lap despite pressure from behind, taking his fifth podium of the year. He was only 0.625 seconds from race winner Dominique Aegerter.

Montella was trying to recover from his tenth place in qualifying as he raced in 12th place in the early laps. He was to fall at Turn 15 on lap five, and was unable to restart.

Öncü’s latest podium success firms-up his status in third place in the overall championship fight, with a 17-point advantage over fourth place Nicolo Bulega. Montella is in eighth place overall in his rookie season, equal on points with one other rider.

The subsequent round after Portimao will be on a whole different continent, as WorldSSP heads to the Circuito San Juan Villicum in Argentina, between 21-23 October.

Can Öncü, stated: “Yesterday we struggled so much but today we took a podium after a very tough competition. We did a very good job in the race. I was thinking about the tyre as I knew it would be important to have good grip at the end. Thanks a lot to everybody who works so hard to put us in this position. I am proud of my team and Kawasaki. Also thank you to Kenan Sofuoglu for all his support. Now I am looking forward to Argentina and the next races in the championship.”

Yari Montella, stated: “I don’t have much to say, sadly. My race didn’t last long. I started quite well but then got swallowed by the group. I tried to keep contact with the leading group but then crashed at high speed through the last turn. Luckily I’m unhurt but my race ended in the run off area. I’m really sorry for the team as they worked so hard for me. I hope to make up for it at the next round in Argentina.”

Tom Booth-Amos (Prodina Racing Kawasaki) was given a long lap penalty in Race Two and eventually retired at Turn Three with a technical issue.

Ben Currie (Motozoo Racing by Puccetti Kawasaki) placed 19th in the second Portimao race, but his young team-mate Jeffrey Buis (Motozoo Racing by Puccetti Kawasaki) was forced to retire with a technical issue.

Adrian Huertas (MTM Kawasaki) did not race today as his team withdrew from all the races on Sunday due to the serious injury suffered by MTM WorldSSP300 rider Victor Steeman on Saturday.

#NinjaSpirit

Source: Kawasaki Racing Team

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