Broc Parkes rode through the pain barrier today at Valencia to bring his R6 home in fifth place despite his recent collar bone injury. His team mate, Kevin Curtain, was not so fortunate, crashing out of the race on lap nine whilst battling for first place. The wet conditions that had plagued much of the weekend's track sessions had cleared going into the Supersport race. With this in mind, both riders were confident of a good ride in the fourth round of the World Supersport Championship today but in the end they were to have quite different results. Kevin got off a good start and maintained his third place, moving quickly up to second on lap two.
Feeling comfortable with the bike and track conditions, he was able to put in a determined ride and was in a four-way battle for first place with Sofuoglu (Honda), Pitt (Honda) and Riba (Kawasaki). On lap five Kevin, showing no sign of discomfort from his broken collar bone, took the lead and temporarily set a new lap record. The battle continued until, on lap nine, Curtain and Riba collided catching Riba's brake lever and taking both riders out as well as Fujiwara
Parkes' race also got off to a good start with him climbing up to eighth place from his start position of 11th. His injuries though, pampered him throughout the race, with him straining to change direction in the twisty middle section of the circuit. He moved up to fourth position as a result of Curtain and Riba's accident and then found himself embroiled in the middle pack of riders for the remainder of the race. He fought on and finished the race in a very credible fifth position, considering the short recovery period he has had since Donington.
Massimo Roccoli, riding in the Yamaha Team Italia Lorenzini by Leoni squad, found himself alongside Parkes for much of the race, with the two riders swapping positions throughout. The dry conditions suited Roccoli's style more than the rain and he was able to much improve his start 16th start position to eventually finish in a solid seventh slot.
Following his crash Curtain was taken to hospital where it was confirmed that his collar bone injury has not been made worse. A long 20cm cut deep into his thigh, caused by his foot peg, has had to be stitched - it was close to an artery but missed it.
Following Curtain and Riba's collision the remaining to riders went on with Sofuoglu finishing in the top spot and ex-Yamaha WSB rider Pitt putting a good performance for second. Rounding up the podium positions was Nannelli (Ducati) who had a good fight with Pitt for second place and narrowly missed out.
Broc Parkes (5th - Yamaha World Supersport Team)"I was sore for sure during that race and when the pace picked up I had trouble keeping up because I couldn't change direction so easily due to my shoulder. I had a pack of riders around me for much of the race, which I didn't like as it would have been so easy to collide with one of them, like Kevin did. I'd rather have been in front of them, but I couldn't get past. At least I got some points, which I am happy about and kept it upright this weekend."
Massimo Roccoli (7th - Yamaha Team Italia Lorenzini by Leoni)"I had a good start and jumped to sixth position. I was riding with the leading group and after a very difficult practice, I am pleased with my final result. I took some points and have saved the weekend."
Circuit Length: 4005
Temp: 19
Crowd: 39,000
Weather: Cloudy
Race 1 - 23 Laps - WSS Valencia:1. Kenan Sofuoglu - Honda - TUR 38'8.523
2. Andrew Pitt Honda - AUS 0'4.911
3. Gianluca Nannelli - Ducati - ITA 0'5.200
4. Fabien Foret - Kawasaki - FRA 0'5.619
5. Broc Parkes - Yamaha - AUS 0'12.776
6. David Salom - Yamaha - ESP 0'14.913
7. Massimo Roccoli - Yamaha - ITA 0'15.178
8. Joan Lascorz - Honda - ESP 0'25.356
9. Vesa Kallio - Suzuki - FIN 0'28.454
10. Craig Jones - Honda - GBR 0'29.885
11. Gianluca Vizziello - Yamaha - ITA 0'30.422
12. Davide Giugliano - Kawasaki - ITA 0'30.810
13. Lorenzo Alfonsi - Honda - ITA 0'31.204
14. David Checa - Yamaha - ESP 0'35.273
15. Sebastien Gimbert - Yamaha - FRA 0'37.610
Best Lap: Katsuaki Fujiwara - Honda - JPN 1'37.570
Rider Points:1. Kenan Sofuoglu - Honda - TUR 95
2. Fabien Foret - Kawasaki - FRA 51
3. Katsuaki Fujiwara - Honda - JPN 43
4. Robbin Harms - Honda - DNK 39
5. Gianluca Nannelli - Ducati - ITA 30
6. Broc Parkes - Yamaha - AUS 27
7. Massimo Roccoli - Yamaha - ITA 26
8. Craig Jones - Honda - GBR 25
9. Kevin Curtain - Yamaha - AUS 25
10. Pere Riba - Kawasaki - ESP 22
11. Andrew Pitt - Honda - AUS 20
12. Barry Veneman - Suzuki - NED 17
13. Yoann Tiberio - Honda - FRA 15
14. Davide Giugliano - Kawasaki - ITA 14
15. Lorenzo Alfonsi - Honda - ITA 13
20. Gianluca Vizziello - Yamaha - ITA 10
21. David Checa - Yamaha - ESP 9
22. Sebastien Gimbert - Yamaha - FRA 9
Manufacturer Standings: 1. Honda 95
2. Kawasaki 61
3. Yamaha 55
4. Ducati 30
5. Suzuki 24
Related Linkswww.yamaha-racing.com
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