They may have been the dominant force of World Supersport all season but the BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team duo of Randy Krummenacher and Federico Caricasulo imploded at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours. With both of them off of the front row in the wet Tissot Superpole, both would go on to crash in the dry conditions of the race, blowing the World Supersport championship completely wide open.

Randy Krummenacher was the first to bite the dirt, as he suffered an enormous highside on the exit of Turn 10 on the opening lap. The Swiss rider was up on his feet and soon back in the pit box with his family, shaken but not stirred, it would be his first zero-point score in WorldSSP since Jerez, back in 2016.

With Krummenacher out, it was down to Federico Caricasulo to fly the flag for the Yamaha outfit, but he was also in for a nasty surprise. He tucked the front at the notorious Turn 13 from the lead of the race, missing a huge opportunity to make up points on his championship-leading teammate. He remounted and, whilst lapping quick enough for points, he crashed again, this time at Turn 3, spelling the end of the race.

Krummenacher remains in the championship lead, something he is keen to acknowledge: “It was a very strange crash. I really wasn’t pushing and just wanted to stay with the leading group, when I found myself catapulted into the air for no apparent reason.

“Luckily, I didn’t hurt myself and the standings haven’t changed much. I’m still leading and am intent on fighting for the title right to the end. I’m sorry how the weekend ended for the team too, as they’ve really been a great support this weekend.”

Caricasulo, like his teammate, was keen to reiterate his intent on duelling for the WorldSSP crown right to the end, saying: “I felt comfortable on the bike. I was leading and had built a slight lead over my rivals. It was all going well under I suddenly lost grip and crashed.

“I tried to continue the race but in pushing to make up positions I probably overdid it and crashed for a second time, and after that I couldn’t go on. A pity, because I lost an opportunity. Anyway, considering that Randy didn’t score points either, the situation remains more or less as it was, and I’ll try again in Argentina.”

One saving grace for the team was that their next championship rival, Jules Cluzel (GMT94 YAMAHA), wasn’t able to capitalise on their misfortune and was only able to finish in sixth, thus closing in just 10 points. However, more drama for the leading two in the championship and Cluzel will be right there to pick up the pieces, as he is still in with a chance of taking an elusive first WorldSSP title, 38 points back from Krummenacher.

Watch the unpredictable World Supersport battle continue to South America and the Circuito San Juan Villicum with the WorldSBK VideoPass!