21-year-old Brendan Roberts gained his first European Superstock victory at the weekend at Imola Circuit, Italy. The young Australian looked strong and confident all weekend on-board the HP Racing Suzuki. Qualifying in third position amongst a field full of Italian riders, bikes and teams the youngster once again proved that he was capable of mixing it at the top with the best.
Riding a sturdy and comfortable race Roberts finally crossed the line in a clear second position behind MV Agusta rider Luca Scassa. Scassa was later disqualified from the results after his machine failed with a technical infringement, handing the win to a delighted Roberts.
In soaring temperatures Roberts was keen to produce another good result, which adds to the tally of fantastic results he has had so far this season. After winning the National Superstock Championship in the UK with three rounds remaining, Roberts decided to concentrate his efforts on the remaining races in the European Superstock Class.
Setting the fastest time during morning warm-up, he was eager to gain a good result in the 12-lap race. A good start saw him hold his position into the first corner. A clean pass on Claudio Corti on the second lap saw Roberts elevate to second. MV Agusta rider Ayrton Badovini was closing in on Roberts in the opening stages of the race and passed the Australian on lap four.
A fraught battle was under way for second position, it soon became a five way scrap. Roberts was eager to remain focused and secure a strong result, looking confident into all the corners but unable to match the speed of the MV on the straights, Roberts had to be committed when making a strong pass on Badovini on lap nine. Holding his position to the end, it was another good result for him and the HP Racing Team.
Roberts was later told that he had been allocated the race win and was delighted saying "I’ve been working really hard towards winning a round since coming into the Championship mid way through this year, I’ve finally achieved the goal I set out to do. Although I crossed the line in second position, I feel as though I rode a near perfect race. We all know the rules for Superstock and systems for engine management and traction control are not allowed so the right decision was made. I’m really looking forward to next weekend at Magny Cours, it will be another challenging new circuit to end the season."
Roberts will race at the final round of the European Superstock Championship at Magny Cours, France this weekend, 6th - 8th October.
Related Linkswww.brendan-roberts.com
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