Manzi’s charge from P17 to P3 shows the potential and pace of Triumph
The Italian rookie was one of the stand-out performers in WorldSSP Race 2
The 2022 FIM Supersport World Championship is continuing to deliver key storylines throughout the season and one of them was the return to the rostrum for Triumph, with Stefano Manzi (Dynavolt Triumph) putting in one of the most impressive rides of the season. The Italian rookie made an impressive fight back from 17th on the grid – the sixth row – to come through to be in the battle for victory until the closing stages.
Getting a good start, Manzi was immediately charging through the field, up into 12th by the end of the opening lap before being in sixth at the start of Lap 4. As the field began to splinter, Manzi latched onto the leading group, before he, Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing), Lorenzo Baldassarri (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) and Dominique Aegerter (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) all battled at the front. On Lap 12, Aegerter made a crucial error at Turn 1 but despite the odds, was able to battle his way back to the front, thus denying Manzi a shot at victory. Manzi crossed the line second, but he exceeded track limits on the final lap, meaning he was demoted to third behind Oncu.
Nevertheless, the Italian rookie once again showed a stunning account of himself as he and the Triumph continue to make gains in the WorldSSP class: “During the race I didn’t touch the green but on the last lap, just one time, and then I had to drop one position. It’s good to be back on the podium after a difficult weekend at Magny-Cours and also on Saturday, as I was unlucky to break the gearbox after two laps because I was competitive like on Sunday, but I am very happy to be on the podium again. I want to thank the team because they recovered the bike from yesterday for me to make the podium.”
Team principal Simon Buckmaster spoke highly of the 23-year-old Italian, saying: “It’s a fantastic result, the whole team did a great job after Saturday was so disappointing, I include both riders as Hannes also finished in the points today. Stefano rode brilliantly, I know he did just touch the green and the rules are the rules so third, not second across the line. It’s a fantastic boost after Saturday and Magny-Cours wasn’t great, but we are learning every track, the potential is there with the Triumph to challenge for the World Championship next year. Congratulations to the whole team. We work in a results-based business and results like this are good for Triumph, Dynavolt and all our partners but it doesn’t change our thought process or what we are trying to do. Looking forward to the last four rounds.”
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