Lausitzring race winner Sheridan Morais (Kallio Racing) had a tough end to his weekend in Portugal, as the South African was unable to finish on the podium despite a strong battle early on in the race. With a lack of grip an issue for Morais, he hopes to takes some positives to Magny-Cours.

Starting the race from fourth position on the grid, ‘Shez’ was locked in the battle for the lead in the early part of the race but was unable to stick with his rivals for the full 18 lap race. Now riding the new 2017 Yamaha, he was able to welcome a stunning pace the last time out in Germany but was unable to repeat his performance this weekend.

Happy to leave with a strong pace, he will look at the grip issues he suffered ahead of the return to France in two weeks time and says his priority is to win races.

“It was a really tough race,” admits Morais. “Conditions were different to the previous two days and we got caught out a little with tyres. We were sliding around a lot, but were unable to fight for the win. We’ve been setting the pace and have been fast all weekend, but in the race we just didn’t have the pace. We have some good points in the bag and look forward to carrying the momentum of pace to the next race.”

Now 31 points behind Kenan Sofuolgu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) in the championship fight, it won’t be an easy ask but the title fight is still in sight: “Anything can happen, either way you look at it. We’re going to keep fighting and the only way I’m going to win the championship is to win races. That’s my focus and we’ve got to make it happen.”

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