The 2022 FIM Supersport 300 World Championship has been an unpredictable affair, with many stunning fightbacks, but one thing that has been almost constant is seeing Alvaro Diaz (Arco Motor University Team) on the podium. At the Circuit de Nevers Mangy-Cours during the Pirelli French Round, Diaz added two more podiums to his name and continued his record-breaking podium streak as he made a bit of WorldSSP300 history.

Despite only setting the tenth-fastest time in the Tissot Superpole session, Diaz was able to fight back in both Race 1 and Race 2 to take a podium position in both, finishing third in Race 1 and second in Race 2. In Saturday’s Race 1, Diaz started ninth after benefitting from a penalty to a fellow competitor, before moving up to third while he started tenth in Race 2 and claimed second spot.

His results, coupled with title rival Marc Garcia (Yamaha MS Racing) finishing 20^th in Race 1, means Diaz heads into the Catalunya Round with a 40-point advantage over his title rival despite Garcia finishing ahead in Race 1 in France. Diaz also heads into the next round having broken two records: his two podiums mean he has now recorded nine in a season, beating the previous record with four races left this season, while his streak of six consecutive podiums is the longest in WorldSSP300 history.

Discussing his French Round, Diaz said: “It’s my ninth podium this season. I’m very happy. In Race 1, I had a little problem with my motorbike. On Sunday morning, I changed the little part and I think it’s the perfect moment to stay on the podium. I think this is the line for the Championship. The last lap was crazy, all the riders stayed with me, but I’m happy because all is good. See you in the next race in Barcelona; I think it’s my ‘house’ and I am so happy.”

Valencian rider Diaz is able to wrap up the Championship at the circuit he calls home for this season. With 75 points left on the table, he won’t be able to win it until Race 2 on Sunday, but providing he leaves the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya 51 or more points clear of the rider who is in second place at the end of the weekend, he will be the 2022 Champion.

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