Jules Cluzel (CIA Landlord Insurance Honda) reflected on a solid fourth place result at the Prosecco DOC German Round wishing he had been able to take further advantage of the speed he had shown earlier in the weekend, but also grateful not to have been caught up in the late drama of the WorldSSP race.

On the penultimate lap Cluzel’s rivals Federico Caricasulo (GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team) and Lucas Mahias (GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team) both crashed – with Caricasulo left on the gravel and Mahias able to remount his machine.

That left Cluzel in third – but then the red flags came out and the final race results were taken from the rider positions at the end of the previous lap – which was lap 17 – and the Frenchman was therefore finally classified in fourth place.

After setting the pace on Friday in free practice the Honda rider was somewhat frustrated as he commenced his post race analysis: “I am a bit disappointed because for sure when you start leading on the first day, after a two month break and with no testing, you expect to be quite fast for the race and fight for the win. I was in the leading group but I was never able to get into the lead because I was struggling in the worst place on acceleration before the long straight.”

He continued: “I was just at the back of the group waiting for an opportunity to maybe pass (Sheridan) Morais on the last lap, as he was looking like he was struggling, but then to win the race was impossible for me this weekend. I am happy to finish the race but disappointed because I am looking to win. The circumstances of the last lap were crazy. I nearly hit (Lucas) Mahias too. I am happy that (Federico) Caricasulo seems to be ok. It was a shame about the red flag as I was on the podium at this moment but I think that this is just racing.”