WorldSSP300: In it to win it
All to play for as the inaugural season heads into the final third
Making its debut at Portimao in Portugal, the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship is preparing to head into the seventh round of the season, and with at least the top five riders in with a chance of taking the title, there is all to play for. With a few riders having raced around the circuit in the EJC over the past, it will be a new experience for some and with the elevation changes and fast nature of the Portuguese circuit there will be plenty of on track action to witness.
Spain’s Mika Perez (WILSport Racedays) took hold of the world championship lead last time out in Germany, as the new category once again provided some stunning racing. In a drag to the line and a photo finish, 17 year old Perez secured third position and as a result, shot to the top of the standings. Leading the way by three points ahead of compatriot Marc Garcia (Halcourier Racing), it will be a tough fight in the closing three rounds and with two races of experience around Portimao, Perez will be out and fighting.
Tackling the Portuguese circuit for the first time will be second in the championship Marc Garcia (Halcourier Racing); the one event rider sits three points off the top of the table but last stood on the top of the podium at Imola. The Yamaha rider has been consistent so far this season, taking three podiums in 2017 and has only finished outside of the top six on one occasion – the opening round of the season at MotorLand Aragon. If Garcia can keep a cool head, the title fight will be able to go down to the wire at Jerez.
Winner at round six in Germany, Alfonso Coppola (SK Racing) will be hoping to use his first victory of the season as a confidence boost, and with experience around the 4.5km circuit he’s in a strong position to put up a strong fight on-board his YZF-R3. Keeping a calm head and holding the lead to the line around Lausitzring, the 19 year old will be hoping to add to his search for the title as the battle intensifies.
Drama hit the WorldSSP300 paddock at the end of the Prosecco DOC German Round, as it was announced Scott Deroue (MTM HS Kawasaki) was disqualified from the race, meaning the Dutch rider slipped down to fourth in the championship standings but is still only 13 points behind Perez at the top. Despite this set back, the Kawasaki rider has been trying to overcome some issues of late but will always be back to give it his all in the final rounds. With the title still not out of his grasp, Deroue will be fighting to get back onto the top step of the podium, which he last saw in his home round at Assen.
Keep up with the stunning WorldSSP300 racing action, all on the WorldSBK VideoPass and enjoy the previous six races before the fight continues to the Prosecco DOC Portuguese Round, from 15th – 17th September.
