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Cluzel celebrates "perfect weekend" after Buriram victory

Wednesday, 20 March 2019 09:34 GMT

    • Jules Cluzel was back on top of the podium to take the championship lead, and give Yamaha their 80th WorldSSP win!

    Jules Cluzel (GMT94 YAMAHA) took victory in an enthralling World Supersport race at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand. The Frenchman led the majority of the race but had to see off early challenges from Isaac Viñales (Kallio Racing) and Federico Caricasulo (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team). In the closing stages, a late charge from Randy Krummenacher (BARDAHL Evan Bros WorldSSP Team) wasn’t enough to topple the former World Supersport runner-up, on his way to his 18th career victory.

    Starting from pole position for a 21st time in his WorldSSP career, Cluzel held the early advantage ahead of his rivals and was able to maintain a strong, consistent pace throughout the entirety of the 17-lap encounter.

    Leading for 16 of the 17 laps, Cluzel has emphasised his determination to win the WorldSSP championship. Speaking after the race, the 30-year-old said: “I am so please with this victory, we were strong in the weekend; we confirmed this in qualifying and just needed to confirm it in the race. It was a tough race which needed consistency, and I did it. The last two laps were good.”

    Giving the GMT94 YAMAHA team their first victory of the season, Cluzel continued: “We need to rest, understand the bike and see where we can improve in the future. I think we made a wrong tyre choice for the race, but we still win the race, so perfect! A perfect weekend, with 25 points, keep it like that and try and enjoy our job as much as possible. I was really under pressure, but I still enjoy the win!”

    Cluzel also gave Yamaha as a manufacturer a nice achievement, with an 80th WorldSSP win to consolidate their position as a leading manufacturer in the highly competitive class. It was also France’s 61st win, exactly 21 years, seven months and two weeks after Stephane Chambon gave them their first win at Brands Hatch in 1997!

    Cluzel’s win puts him as joint championship leader on 45 points, tied with Randy Krummenacher. Will it be a championship battle between these to WorldSSP stars, bidding to achieve their first title?

    To watch the battle unfold throughout the season, get the WorldSBK VideoPass!