DOHA: Britain’s Kyle Smith produced a slick ride to post his maiden win in the final race of the World Supersport Championship under lights at Losail International Circuit.
The Honda rider, who started from the fifth spot on the grid, grabbed the lead after a slow start but finished the season finale in a time of 30 minutes 44.036 seconds.
In a tense battle that saw leadership change hands a few times, Smith surged ahead of Turkish giant Kenan Sofuoglu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) in the nine lap and remained at the top after a tense final lap.
World Champion Sofuoglu, who dropped to third after lap nine, recovered lost ground to finish second just 0.971 seconds adrift of Smith. For Sofuoglu who wrapped up his 4th World Supersport crown this year, it was his 69th career podium in second spot.
Italy’s Lorenzo Zanetti - riding for MV Augusta - completed the top three, finishing 1.074 seconds behind Smith.
“Stunning ride, yes. It was the last race of the season. Nothing to lose,” Smith said after the 15-lap race. “Great to be on the podium. I want to congratulate my sister who got a baby boy yesterday,” the 24-year-old added.
Sofuoglu, who clinched the title at Magny-Cours, defended his second-place finish, saying no rider could produced a ‘perfect’ race.
“Actually we chose a hard tyre, Today we rode on a hard circuit but we (still) made the podium,” Sofuoglu said. “We did not win the race but sometimes you can’t play perfect,” he added.
Zanetti said he struggled with ‘engine problems’.
“That was an important finish,” Zanetii said.
“We had a problem with the engine. We started well in the season but I had a problem in my mind. I do not know if I would be continuing (with MV Augusta) next year,” Zanetti said.
“It was a amazing season. I want to thank the team. Speed was not bad, I tried to push but everyone wanted to win. I am on the pdoium and that was important. In the end, for me and the team, we need to wait,” he added.
Lucas Mahias (3.575 seconds behind), Patrick Jacobsen (6.271 seconds), Nicolas Terol (6.553 seconds), Roberto Rolfo (19.988 seconds), Alex Baldolini (26.605 seconds), Maro Faccani (26.901 seconds) and Fabio Menghi (37.648 seconds) completed the top in the final race of the supersport season.
The Peninsula
