Cluzel again makes his mark for PTR Honda
Some days it's worth settling for a second place instead of a win, especially when that win is particularly hard to come by. That's what Jules Cluzel (PTR Honda) must have thought on Sunday at Moscow Raceway when the young Frenchman, in his rookie Supersport year, had to take second best to the dominant points leader Kenan Sofuoglu after ably managing his run to the chequered flag.
It wasn't outright pace that made all the difference between the Turk and his French rival; Cluzel in fact set the quickest lap in 1 minute 38.167 seconds, but pace over overall race distance, which saw Sofuoglu capable of putting in a series of 1 minute 38 second laps, even in the second half of the race. Cluzel however has no complaints about his performance and now finds himself in the enviable position of second place in the standings, a position helped by a disastrous showing by PTR team-mate Sam Lowes. Thirty-three points to make up on Sofuoglu, with 75 still to play for, mean however that it's not going to be easy for the 23-year-old from Montluçon.
"I tried to follow Kenan" said Cluzel, "and as the gap grew bigger, I thought I would see what happens to him, maybe he had used his front tyre? He got faster for the last six-seven laps though. The good thing is I finished in a good position; it was easy to finish second and I am really happy to be second in the Championship. Thank you to my PTR team as they work hard to improve my bike all the time. I really enjoy riding my PTR Honda."
