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Sandro Cortese (Kallio Racing) made history this weekend in Qatar, as he became the first rider ever to be crowned Moto3™ and FIM Supersport World champion. At 28 years old, Cortese made the move into the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship paddock this season and impressed from the opening weekend in Australia. His performance was similar to how he took on the debut season of the Moto3™ world championship back in 2012. But how did he get to be crowned world champion in both classes? We compare his two title winning seasons.

2018: Consistency is key for the rookie

Swinging his leg over the YZF-R6 for the first time in the official test Down Under this year, it was set to be a big season for Cortese as he headed to Australia with a big challenge ahead of him in WorldSSP. But he made look easy, and from the opening round he proved himself to be a title challenger. Taking a podium on his debut, it didn’t take him long to get acquainted with his bike and had a strong season ahead of him. But how did he get to the top? The secret to his season has been consistency. Visiting five new circuits this season, Cortese has never finished outside of the top six in every round.

He took his first pole position and win in style – at MotorLand Aragon for Round Three. Converting his poorer qualifying results into podium finishes, the German has secured eight podiums out of 12 races in 2018, and has shown a tenacious fight back from the start. Securing the lead of the championship in round six at Donington Park, it has never been a rush for Cortese. He has taken this season in his stride and in such unpredictable series as WorldSSP, he has shown important attributes and attitudes to become champion.

2012: Consistency is king once again

There are stark comparisons to his 2012 Moto3™ world title, which he secured with two rounds remaining in Malaysia. Riding for Red Bull KTM Ajo, the then 21 year old rider was full of ambition and some risky racing moves throughout the season. But once again, the story of his success was consistency. His first win of the season came three races in, at Estoril in Portugal, and he once again never finished outside of the top six. In fact, his only two sixth position finishes came at Le Mans and Motegi. After his Estoril victory, his next one came at home in Germany in round eight, before another one came in Misano ahead of his title winning race at Sepang, followed by his final win of the season at Phillip Island.

Taking five wins, five second positions and five third position finishes, it was a longer season in Moto3™, but a similar one to WorldSSP. But it certainly wasn’t a boring season for the German, with sensational battles to the line, some dramatic moments and some hot headed on track fights, it’s one which echoes his 2018 efforts in WorldSSP.

Enjoy all of Cortese’s battles from WorldSSP this season, all with the WorldSBK VideoPass and don’t forget to congratulate him using #CorteseChamp.