Sofuoglu and vd Mark look for redemption as WSS heads to Aragon
Many riders expected to battle at the front in the second round
The FIM Supersport World Championship returns for the second round of the season, with Jules Cluzel (MV Agusta RC – Yakhnich Motorsport) on top of the standings ahead of Kev Coghlan (DMC-Panavto Yamaha) and Raffaele De Rosa (CIA Insurance Honda).
Kenan Sofuoglu (Mahi Racing Team India Kawasaki) and Michael van der Mark (Pata Honda World Superbike) are looking for redemption after leaving Australia with no points. Both riders crashed out in the early stages of the shortened five lap World Supersport race, whilst trying to pull away from the rest of the field.
Last year van der Mark had the best result of his rookie WSS season at Aragon, finishing second behind race winner Fabien Foret. On the other hand, three time World Supersport Champion Sofuoglu has never had an easy time on the Spanish track, with his top finish being a fifth place in 2012.
Jack Kennedy (CIA Insurance Honda) has spent the long break recovering from the ankle injury sustained during the official test at Phillip Island. The Irishman, who rode through the pain before being forced out of the race due to a technical problem, is anxious to get back on track.
Last year’s STK600 runner-up Alessandro Nocco will make his World Supersport debut this weekend after signing a deal with the San Carlo Puccetti Racing Team. Nocco will join fellow Italian Roberto Tamburini, who started the season on a high note by scoring a top 5 finish in the opening race of the year, as well as setting the new lap record at the track for the series.
Team Rivamoto Honda will not attend the Aragon Round. The Russian squad is still looking for a new rider and sponsors after recently parting ways with Australia’s Bryan Staring.
