A champion returns: Mahias is back after first podium of 2019!
Having had a difficult start to the season, Mahias was back on the rostrum and is keen to maintain the strong pace!
After taking the lead from first place on the grid, Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) took control of the race ahead of BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team teammates Federico Caricasulo and Randy Krummenacher, and his compatriot Jules Cluzel (GMT94 Yamaha).
A few laps later, Caricasulo and Krummenacher finally took the lead from him, but the Kawasaki man managed to defend his third position against Cluzel, whilst also holding off Kawasaki Puccetti Racing teammate, Hikari Okubo.
"I'm very happy, the race was not so difficult," says Mahias. “During Free Practice, I had worked for the race and the pace was about the same. I lost some time in the straight and even though I knew I was fast on other sectors, it was difficult for me to overtake the Yamaha."
This podium is the first for the French rider since joining the Kawasaki Puccetti Racing team. A welcome result for the Japanese manufacturer after a complicated start to 2019, it was more than just the race that saw Kawasaki and Mahias shine. It was the manufacturer’s first pole position since Portimao in 2017, coming as a timely reminder that anything can happen in WorldSSP.
Continuing, Mahias said: "In the last few laps, I watched the fight between Krummenacher and Caricasulo, but I was also watching my gap with Cluzel. I decided to stay calm because I did not want to fall and miss the podium. Leaving the last corner, I saw an opportunity, but it was not possible. Finishing third is great, for me as well as for Kawasaki and my team!"
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