A two way title battle shapes up as WSS heads to Portimao
Van der Mark and Cluzel will resume their fight in Portugal.
The battle for supremacy in Supersport is shaping up as a two-way affair between points leader Michael van der Mark (Pata Honda World Supersport) and Jules Cluzel (MV Agusta Reparto Corse). The two riders have been challenging each other for the race win in the last three rounds but, unlike at Donington and Sepang, Cluzel was able to edge out van der Mark for the win at Misano.
Both stars have fond memories of the Autodromo do Algarve, as Cluzel claimed victory over Kenan Sofuoglu in the 2012 World Supersport encounter, whilst van der Mark edged Riccardo Russo in STK600 on his way to secure his first title at international level. Last year the Dutchman was fourth at the flag in the WSS race after a spectacular four way battle for the win.
Florian Marino (Intermoto Ponyexpres Kawasaki) needs to get back to the type of form shown earlier in the season as the Frenchman is now 50 points behind the leader in third. Several riders are looking for a strong result at Portimao in order to change the momentum and make up some ground in the standings, including Kenan Sofuoglu (Mahi Racing Team India Kawasaki), Kev Coghlan (DMC-Panavto Yamaha) and Jack Kennedy (CIA Insurance Honda).
After his maiden podium scored two Sundays ago at Misano, American PJ Jacobsen (Intermoto Ponyexpres Kawasaki) is looking forward for another good result in his rookie WSS season.
