News

WorldSSP: Sofuoglu Tops Day 1

Friday, 17 June 2016 13:59 GMT

Reigning Champion fastest in first practice sessions, Caricasulo close

Kawasaki Puccetti Racing rider Kenan Sofuoglu went quickest on Day 1 at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, with the Turk laying down a marker in FP2 to lead the charge to Tissot-Superpole 2. Rookie Federico Caricasulo was second quickest in the combined times after also impressing during the morning session, with the Italian rookie flying the flag in preparation for his second home Round.

Sofuoglu’s rookie teammate Randy Krummenacher, who is a veteran of the circuit, was fastest in the morning before ending the day second quickest on the combined timesheets as he fights to close down Sofuoglu in the title fight. MV Agusta Reparto Corse rider Jules Cluzel continued his return to the top echelons of WorldSSP in P4 overall, ahead of Honda rider PJ Jacobsen, who counts Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli as a favourite in his quest for his first victory of the season. The group of title favourites all circulated within around 3 tenths of each other, proving a tantalizing preview of the race that could be in store on Sunday.

GRT Racing Team rider Gino Rea was P6 overall on his MV Agusta as the Brit put in a lap just quicker than another Italian in the form of Christian Gamarino, who ended Day 1 in P7. Alessandro Zaccone flew the flag for San Carlo Team Italia at a home Round for both rider and team, with the young FIM Europe Supersport Cup rider proving the fastest of the ESS field in P8, ahead of fellow ESS rider Ilya Mikhalchik. Roberto Rolfo locked out the top ten at his home Round, followed by compatriots Alex Baldolini and Ayrton Badovini as the local favourites battle it out for home glory.

The top ten from Day 1 now go through to WorldSSP Tissot-Superpole 2 at Misano, with the grid spots decided on Saturday at 11:30 local time (GMT +2) before the WorldSSP Race on Sunday 19th June at 11:20.