Lucas Mahias and Kawasaki Puccetti Racing have completed the second and final day of racing making up the ninth WorldSBK round at the Nevers Magny Cours circuit in France. For the French rider, who is standing in for Tito Rabat (who is competing in MotoE), this was a return to World Superbike at his home round, in front of his fans.
Mahias’ bike livery has featured the prestigious Gi.Vi. brand as main sponsor this weekend, marking the historic collaboration between the Italian firm and Kawasaki Puccetti Racing.
Yesterday Lucas was out for Superpole, a session he finished in eighteenth place before crossing the line nineteenth in race 1. This morning the French rider lined up for the Superpole Race, the sprint race that runs over just ten laps. Having started well, Mahias held his position but was able to up his pace from mid-race on to make up two positions and cross the line sixteenth, the first of the Kawasaki privateers.
Race 2 ran in the afternoon, but it did not last long for the French rider who was forced to retire on lap five due to a technical problem.
The next WorldSBK round will take place on 22-24 September at Motorland Aragon in Spain.
Circuit Nevers – Magny Cours – France
Superbike World Championship
Superpole Race: Superpole Race: 1) Razgatlioglu (Yamaha) – 2) Bautista (Ducati) – 3) Rea (Kawasaki) – 4) Locatelli (Yamaha) – 5) Petrucci (Ducati) …….. 16) Mahias (Kawasaki)
Race 2: 1) Bautista (Ducati) – 2) Razgatlioglu (Yamaha) – 3) Rea (Kawasaki) – 4) Locatelli (Yamaha) – 5) Gerloff (BMW) – 6) Bassani (Ducati) – 7) Petrucci …….. DNF) Mahias (Kawasaki)
Lucas Mahias
“The Superpole Race went well. I found a good rhythm and was quick and consistent. I improved my feeling with the bike every time I went out on track this weekend and would have liked to do the same in race 2, but unfortunately a technical problem meant I had to retire. I’m sorry because I would have liked to give the team a strong result after all their help and hard work this weekend.”
