Back in Brno - Czech out the best bits from Round 7!
WorldSBK’s first trip back to Brno since 2012 was bursting at the seams with memorable moments by the end of Sundays
Hidden deep inside the forests of Moravia lies a track that had not seen MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship action since 2012. Six long years since the best production bikes of the world had graced the Automotodrom Brno, but that spell was ended this year with a fascinating weekend of racing that threw up some of the most talked-about points of the season.
If you need a refresher on the intricacies of the Czech circuit, hop on with local rider Ondrej Jezek (Guandalini Racing) as he prepared his first return to his homeland on a WorldSBK machine.
Friday began with changing weather conditions which took some getting used to for the WorldSBK riders, many of whom had never set foot at Brno. Even those who had found out early that it can be a tricky track, including Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK).
The former world champion managed to add another Tissot Superpole to his collection on Saturday, but even that was not enough to contain Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK). The Northern Irishman took the lead at Turn 1 and controlled the race from there, taking a dominant career win number sixty. Catch the highlights from that race and don’t miss out on this tribute video for the new WorldSBK record-man.
But the celebrations inside the green machines’ box lasted around 24 hours – enough time to start Race Two and watch in horror as the KRT duo came together in the early laps with Rea crashing out, followed by Sykes a couple of laps later. The main story of the day came from the front though: one hundred and eighteen races into his WorldSBK career, Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK) finally scored the big one. The Brit celebrated the occasion in style, barely able to hide the emotion behind his helmet.
A little earlier, the two frontrunners in the FIM Supersport World Championship put on another tremendous show, just two weeks removed from their Donington battle. Here at Brno it was Jules Cluzel (NRT) who prevailed, shrinking Sandro Cortese’s (Kallio Racing) lead to just two points. It was anything but plain sailing for the Frenchman however, particularly during the final lap.
The FIM Supersport 300 World Championship race was cut short due to a red flag, but at the end it mattered little for race-winner Galang Hendra Pratama (BIBLION YAMAHA MOTOXRACING), who had managed to put his rivals out of sight long before. The Indonesian’s fantastic win put him right back into contention for the championship and can be enjoyed once again here.
Catch the best moments from every round this year thanks to the WorldSBK VideoPass.
