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The official race report service of Kawasaki Racing Team.

24 Luglio 2021

Podium For Öttl In Assen Opener

The return of FIM Supersport World Championship race action after a long break since the previous round at Misano, saw Kawasaki Puccetti Racing riders Philipp Öttl and Can Öncü finish third and seventh respectively in Race One.

In Superpole qualifying Philipp was a strong third while Can was unable to turn his good overall pace into a single fast lap. He started the race from 12th position as a result, on the fourth row of the grid.

Knowing that he needed to have a strong early race pace to make sure he could stay in contention with the front group, Öttl opted for the SCX super-soft rear tyre.

His choice was vindicated as he took an early lead and he was the only rider other than eventual race winner Dominique Aegerter and second placed Steven Odendaal to make a clean breakaway at the front as the 18-lap race unfolded.

Unable to keep the highest pace all through Öttl was still a fine third, securing his fourth podium finish of the 2021 season.

Öncü, despite suffering from pain in his arm, made up ground instantly in the race and was fighting in fourth place at one stage. After the grip level had started to reduce Can battled his way to a fighting seventh place finish, praising his bike setup and the work put in by his team to deliver a positive first race result in the Netherlands.

On Sunday 25 July Race Two will complete the action at Assen, but Sunday’s race will begin at 12.30 local time, not 15.15 as Race One did on Saturday.

Philipp Öttl, stated: “It was as really nice race. I had a good start and I led for a few sectors which was a good thing to do. I chose the SCX tyre for the race because I knew I had to stay with the first two guys in the beginning and my hope was that they would pull me away from the main chasing group. That is what happened and I was really happy with today because we maximised our package. The team did an outstanding job and I am happy for what we achieved. Our qualifying was really good, and overall it has been a good Friday and Saturday.”

Can Öncü, stated: “The race was good so thanks to the team - and the bike! I enjoyed the race and we made a good step. My arm had a little pain. You can see in the first ten laps I was in the front group, but eventually during the changes of direction in the fast corners I was struggling and I had some more pain. But we moved in a good direction today and I think tomorrow we can do much better. I want to say thank you to all the team who are working and supporting us. After a long break and no riding on my 600 we did a good job, I think.“

Raffaele De Rosa (Orelac Racing VerdNatura Kawasaki) crashed out of Race One and no-scored, while Michel Fabrizio (Motozoo Puccetti Racing Kawasaki) put in a strong performance to take points in 13th place.

Leonardo Taccini (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) came very close to a points score in 16th place. Shogo Kawasaki (Motozoo Puccetti Racing) missed the race after suffering a concussion and wrist contusion after a fall in practice.
                                            #NinjaSpirit