English
Italiano
Having finally achieved his first Superbike win yesterday, Michael Van Der Mark had got a taste for it, managing to do it again at Donington in today's second Superbike race. Upping his pace from mid-race onwards, the Dutch rider executed a killer pass on Rea at the Melbourne turn, moving into the lead and holding that position to the line.
The Dutch Honda rider now truly deserves his “Magic Michael” nickname, and his market shares rise as a result, with so many contracts set to expire and seats to fill, this double win comes like manna from heaven for him: “I can't believe it - he comments - it's great and I hope things continue to get better." Very possibly, considering that the Yamaha is now at the level of the Kawasaki, VDM third in the standings.
A star during warm-up, an animal in the race; Toprak Razgatlioglu scores a podium finish - his very first - in the reigning class, thanks to a masterful performance. His pass on Rea, through the very fast Hollywood turn, sealed the deal: “I dedicate this result to the team boss and the entire team”. What better way for team manager Manuel Puccetti to celebrate his 41st birthday and for Turkey to celebrate its first important result in Superbike.
The Cannibal is not sated today. Third place and 'only' 16 points surely haven't satisfied the three-time champ's hunger. Still leading the championship, the Northern Irish had high hopes of beating Foggy's record: “that's how it goes, I'll try again next time”.
Alex Lowes led the dance until a few laps from the line, before being forced to give way to the leading three. The Englishman nevertheless proved very fast - if not quite as fast as VDM - crossing the line just a few metres behind Rea.
Chaz Davies limits the damage by finishing fifth, doing his best to save Ducati's Donington weekend; considering that Rinaldi never got off the line, Melandri finished 11th and Xavi Forés retired, it was more of a Waterloo than a motorcycle event for the Borgo Panigale guys.
After 13 podiums at this track, Tom Sykes misses out this time, finishing sixth. Seventh for Lorenzo Savadori ahead of a gutsy Leon Camier on the Fireblade SP2. Ninth for Torres with the MV and tenth for Baz with the BMW.
Championship standings: Rea 245, Davies 181, Van Der Mark 163.
