Yamaha secure the World Supersport manufacturers title
Tuesday, 18 September 2018 12:45 GMT
Japanese marque reign in intermediate class
Unstoppable in the 2018 FIM Supersport World Championship, Yamaha have been crowned manufacturers champion in Portugal with three rounds of the battle remaining. Standing on the top step of the podium in every race, their pace in the intermediate class has been nothing short of dominant.
Heading into the weekend with 200 points overall and sitting 97 ahead, the title was never in doubt for Yamaha, and it was Caricasulo‘s win which sealed the crown. There have been 13 YZF-R6’s finishing in the points so far throughout the season, but it was the winners who mattered.
Beginning the season on top form, Lucas Mahias (GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team) began his championship defense in the best way as he took a sensational victory around Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. However, the Frenchman began to struggle as he faced stiffer competition from his fellow Yamaha riders. It was the turn of returning Randy Krummenacher (BARDHAL Evans Bros. WorldSSP Team) to take the victory with Yamaha in the searing Thai heat, securing 25 points at Chang International Circuit.
As the WorldSSP championship hit Europe, rookie and former Moto3™ world champion Sandro Cortese (Kallio Racing) welcomed the honour of his debut victory around MotorLand Aragon. Keeping the championship wide open, the Yamaha reign was well and truly established. TT Circuit Assen welcomed a fourth different winner of the season so far, with Jules Cluzel (NRT) taking the victory as the sun shone down on the historic circuit – putting another R6 on the top of the podium.
As the Yamaha’s were now becoming the bikes to beat with the championship heading to Italy and the historic Imola, Cluzel took a back to back victory with the title chase becoming tense in round five. Donington Park welcomed a second victory for Cortese, with a Yamaha 1-2 on the podium but the title challenge was heating up between Cortese and Cluzel, with the French rider winning the following race in the Czech Republic.
Heading into the summer break, Misano was an all important round for the WorldSSP riders, and Cluzel once again stood on the top step, giving Yamaha victories in all races before the summer break. On top of this, they have locked out podiums in Australia, Thailand and Aragon. Securing the title in Portugal, there are surely more titles to come in 2018 with the rider and teams world championship in sights for five Yamaha riders.
Enjoy highlights of Yamaha’s stunning season in WorldSSP, all with the WorldSBK VideoPass.
