Barni Racing Team rider Xavi Fores stepped onto the podium for the first time in the top category of the FIM MOTUL World Superbike Championship at the Pirelli German Round.

The 31 year old came third in Race 2 at the Lausitzring, after expertly navigating his way home on the wet track after heavy rains delayed the start of the race twice. He joined fellow podium first-timer Alex De Angelis from IodaRacing and reigning Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team).

The Spaniard came 10th in Race 1 on Saturday, in dry conditions but proved to be a master of the wet in Race 2, saying, “I’m really happy with this as it’s my first podium in WorldSBK, especially because during the weekend we have had a lot of problems in dry conditions with trying to find a good set-up for the bike. I was looking forward to a wet race all through the weekend because I felt good on the bike.”

After his first taste of Prosecco, Fores will be looking to repeat his good results at the next Round in Magny-Cours. Until then, the Spaniard says,  “I want to enjoy this result with my team. I want to say a special thanks to Barni (Team Principal Marco Barnabò) as he came back from yesterday as his father passed away, so this result is for him.”