The 2022 Supersport World Championship has concluded today at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Australia. Yesterday was an historic day for Kawasaki Puccetti Racing as it won Race 1 with Yari Montella and placed third with Can Oncu for a fantastic double podium. Today the two riders were back on track for the second and final race of this last WorldSSP round.
The race got underway in the afternoon on a dry track but under cloudy skies. Oncu and Montella started well when the lights went out, moving into fifth and sixth place respectively. Unfortunately, the pair came into contact when they crossed lines and this resulted in a crash for the Turk. Can was unhurt but he was forced to retire from the race, while Yari received a long lap penalty for the contact with his team-mate. Around mid-race, and having completed his ‘long-lap’, the Italian rider was lying sixth and lapping with similar times to the frontrunners. The Kawasaki Puccetti Racing rider was able to make up one position, crossing the line fifth.
In the general standings, Can Oncu concludes third with 264 points, while Yari Montella places seventh with 171.
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit – Victoria – Australia
Supersport World Championship
Race 2 – 1) Aegerter (Yamaha) – 2) Caricasulo (Ducati) – 3) Baldassarri (Yamaha) – 4) Bulega (Ducati) – 5) Montella (Kawasaki) – 6) De Rosa (Ducati) ……. DNF) Oncu (Kawasaki)
Can Oncu
“Crashing on lap one due to a contact is not the way I wanted to finish the championship. I’d started strong and was in the leading group but couldn’t avoid the contact and the crash. That’s racing unfortunately. We console ourselves with third in the championship, which demonstrates the kind of season we’ve had. And for this I want to thank Manuel Puccetti, the whole team that has always done such a good job and Kenan Sofuoglu, who is always there for me and helps me so much.”
Yari Montella
“I’m really sorry for coming into contact with Can and causing him to crash. The bike swerved and I wasn’t able to avoid it. I started well and was in the front group. Probably, without the long lap penalty, I’d probably have been able to fight for the podium, but I’m pleased with the rhythm I was able to maintain, and with my result. I want to take the opportunity to thank the entire team for their help and support throughout this fantastic season.”
