Another WorldSSP race and it was another WorldSSP podium for Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing), as he continues to find pace and edge closer to a return to winning ways in World Supersport. Starting from the front row for the fourth consecutive round, Mahias made hay whilst the sun shone and took his third consecutive podium, retaining his point-scoring sequence and extending it to 13, dating back to Portimao last year.

Mahias held his position in the early stages of the race, as he diced with Federico Caricasulo (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team) and Isaac Viñales (Kallio Racing). In the early stages, he was one of the quickest riders on circuit and stayed with Caricasulo. However, they were both hunted down by championship leader, Randy Krummenacher. Getting his head down and staying with the duelling championship contenders, Mahias secured third when an untimely red flag was shown for a technical issue with Raffaele De Rosa’s MV AGUSTA Reparto Corse motorcycle.

Speaking after the race, Mahias said: “I am really happy, because it was not a nice start to the weekend because I don’t go to the test. When you start the weekend with this difference, it is difficult.

“Especially, at this circuit, every year there is a new bump, where the Kawasaki is not very good. I continued pushing for my team and to try and understand the bike more. We tried a new setting on Sunday, so to finally finish in third position, it is very nice.”

Having wrapped up the WorldSSP title in 2017, Mahias goes to his home round of the season with no mathematical chance of rekindling championship success. However, the Frenchman will be keen to put on a good show in front of his home crowd, with the pressure completely off him now.

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