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Perez ‘proud’ to take World championship victory

Wednesday, 21 June 2017 09:15 GMT

Spanish rider stands on the top step for the first time

Mika Perez (WILSport Racedays) was able to secure his first  FIM Supersport 300 World Championship victory of the season around Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, as he held off a pack of five riders to secure the win on the final lap.

The Spanish rider crossed the line in second position last time out around Donington Park, however following the disqualification of race winner Alfonso Coppola (SK Racing) Perez was officially awarded the race victory and ultimately the championship points. Despite this news, the race win at Misano felt like his ‘first’ win, as he crossed the line ahead of all his rivals.

Under the blazing Italian sun a battle soon commenced for the lead and Perez was able to discover which parts of the circuit his rivals were strong around, as he worked at using his straight-line speed down the Misano straights to his advantage. Understanding holding his line to the final corner was the key to taking the victory; the Spanish rider was able to close the door on the 13th lap of 13.

Delighted with the victory, Perez explained: “I am really happy to take my first victory in the world championship, I feel very proud. It was really difficult with six guys fighting the whole race, I tried to close the door on the last corner but it was difficult and the Italian guys – Pontone and Coppola - were passing me all the time on that corner but I could mange and close the door and I’m really happy.”

As WorldSSP300 heads into the eight week long summer break, Perez will focus on training for the second half of the season, which commences at Lausitzring whilst he admits he is starting to think of the championship: “I am starting to think of the championship a little bit, but we have to push more and try to reduce the gap to the front riders. But we will now focus on trying to fight for the win in Lausitzring, Magny-Cours, Portimao and Jerez and then we will see.”