#AssenWorldSBK: “MY RIDING WAS REALLY STRONG”
The 27-year-old Honda rider stormed to sixth place in Saturady’s first Assen race which means his best WorldSBK result thus far.
Despite nice sunshine on Saturday in the northern part of the Netherlands, warm winter clothing’s were necessary because the temperatures were cold again all day long. A fact that didn’t affect Stefan Bradl. On the contrary, he showed up really hot in an action-packed and competitive race. Whereas things didn’t go to his expectations in Superpole1, Bradl qualified for 16th down the order, he shone at the start and found himself racing in ninth position just after a couple of corner during the opening lap.
From this point, the WorldSBK rookie was out for a top 8 finish at any time. The decisive factor was his consistent pace and a faultless ride throughout the entire distance of 21 laps. During the final laps, Bradl gained two more positions from other riders and crossed the line in a remarkable sixth place, his best race result in FIM Superbike World Championship so far. This success give some extra boost and motivation for the second race on Sunday at lunch time at the world-famous TT Circuit in Assen, especially since Bradl will start in third from the front row due to the new regulations.
The season’s eight race is also to watch live via Austrian’s broadcaster ServusTV. Whilst the start of the race is scheduled for 1:00 pm again, the channel’s programme starts with extensive pre-reports 30 minutes’ earlier.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team, Honda CBR1000RR SP2), 6th – World Championship position 11th (29 points):
“I’m very happy with today’s sixth place and I’m also pleased with my performance in terms of riding, which was really very strong. The race started with a good start as I left the line in such a great way, as well as I was very strong and aggressive during the early stages. I was riding over the limits, more than the bike permitted actually. But these risks and all efforts have paid off so, I was able to open a gap to the riders behind me and could control it till the line. I’m very happy about this result which is also enormously important with regard to the starting position in the front row for tomorrow.”
“This feeling of success came at the right time, even if it happened a bit unexpected actually. In addition, I’ve benefited a bit from the race, honestly. Nevertheless, I take this sixth place and these ten points. Hopefully we can take another step forward tomorrow too. There has been a lot happening recently, as well as a lot of things are going not the right way in the background. We had some meetings that hopefully will bring more clarity for the future. But first I look forward to race two tomorrow. Hopefully we’re able to take benefits from our front row start.”
#AssenWorldSBK – Race 1 Classification after 21 Laps:
1 Jonathan REA / GBR / Kawasaki Racing Team / Kawasaki ZX-10R / 33´37.082
2 Tom SYKES / GBR / Kawasaki Racing Team / Kawasaku ZX-10R / +4.501
3 Marco MELANDRI / ITA / Aruba.it Racing – Ducati / Ducati Panigale R / +17.673
6 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team / Honda CBR1000RR SP2 / +33.530
WorldSBK Standings:
1 Jonathan REA / GBR / Kawasaki Racing Team / 170
2 Tom SYKES / GBR / Kawasaki Racing Team / 111
3 Marco MELANDRI / ITA / Aruba.it Racing – Ducati / Ducati Panigale R / 97
11 #6 Stefan BRADL / GER / Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team / 29
Next race: April 30th, Assen / Netherlands