Sofuoglu and Foret joined forces at Portimao to defeat Lowes
Cooperation between team mates is usually a key factor for bike development in testing and in finding the right set-up for the race. Once Sunday comes, the "every man for himself" situation becomes the rule, as every rider aims for the best result at the chequered flag.
This didn't apply last time out at Portimao for the Mahi Racing Team India Kawasaki, as Kenan Sofuoglu and Fabien Foret had worked out a plan to make sure they could both stay in contention with pole man Sam Lowes (Yakhnich Motorsport Yamaha). It worked well for a time, with each applying pressure, taking the lead and then controlling the pace, but in the very final stages the Brit was able to regain the lead and to cross the finish line as the winner, while Foret and Sofuoglu completed the podium in second and third respectively.
"I got a podium and after two difficult rounds I will take it with pleasure" said Fabien Foret. "To be honest we had a plan together with Kenan and during the race I could see that it may work out OK as we were all together. I think van der Mark came along quite late in the race and disturbed our plan quite a bit and I was also surprised to see him there. When you are suddenly four guys together you have more things to think about. I am quite upset with the little mistake I made in the last lap, as I could have had the race win but maybe next time in Imola I will."
The defending Champion Kenan Sofuoglu added: "I think today Sam (Lowes) deserved to win the race, he was the fastest all weekend but also in the race. We were all fighting hard and anyone of four of us could have won the race. We will keep working as we are, Kawasaki is fully behind me to improve the bike even more and hopefully in Imola we will be better."
