Kenan Sofuoglu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) is now the only rider to have secured two victories in the 2017 World Supersport Championship series, and after his victory last Sunday it seems clear that he is beginning to pave the way to begin defending his title.

Absent in Australia and Thailand and missing out on the points at Aragon following a tough return to 2017, the Turkish rider has scored 50 points in the last two races at Assen and Imola meaning he has climbed to fourth place overall; although he is still 35 points behind the leader, Frenchman Lucas Mahias (GRT Yamaha Official Team).

Sofuoglu impressed with his speed and maturity in the chaotic race which occurred around Autodromo Enzo and Dino Ferrari di Imola as he took another extraordinary victory, making it his third consecutive win around the Italian track and the 40th of his WorldSSP career.

Sunday’s race was a test of speed, but also of temper. The race was postponed three times, two of them due to the red flag’s being waved following crashes, forcing the organization to postpone the race to the afternoon - after WorldSBK Race 2.

Starting from fifth place on the grid, Sofuoglu had to work hard to reach the top of the group but thanks to his experience and determination he crossed the line on the eleventh and final lap in first position.

"It has been a very difficult day for us because of the many red flags. Unfortunately, after all these restarts the tyre had worn out and we were left with no new ones," explained the five-time Champion. “We then had a very short distance that made the fight for positions even more tense."

"Before leaving, I told myself that today I had no excuse and that I should think only about winning," continued the 32-year-old. "I was determined to take home this success in Italy, in the home race of the team, where everyone has worked to give the best. I am very happy to be able to deliver this victory to my team. I thank Kawasaki for his great support and my team for his work. "

The next event of the Championship will be in Donington Park (Great Britain), where last year Sofuoglu took one of his six victories around the circuit.