Every year the Superbikes return to Assen circuit where for the past years, the weather was great and the races where even better.
Unfortunately this year was a bit different because of the bad weather circumstances but we can’t complain looking at the race in Monza.
TrackandTuner had the possibility to take a look behind the scenes of the World Superbikes.
Walking around the paddock shows the hectic life of the mechanics especially those of Pirelli. Who are constantly supplying the teams with tires.
First thing we noticed was the new Ducati 1199 Panigale in the colors of the PATA team. It’s a very small bike with its central exhaust under the bike it looks very narrow. The new Öhlins suspension location was a first for us too. But it looks absolutely gorgeous and from what we heard it sounds like a true Ducati.
We were able to take a look in the paddock and the pit where the riders are handing out signatures. Great to see Checa, Rea, Melandri and Hopkins signing and focusing on their fans. It’s therefore a bit of a disappointment to see that the Aprilia team wasn’t there for the entire weekend. The World Champion Carlos Checa looked very relaxed and took its time for the fans.
It looks like the BMW team has had a change for the better with more Italian influences the team seems more relaxed and with riders such as Melandri and Haslam success will come.
Race 1 was a very exciting race until it started to rain, at this point red flags where shown and the race was stopped. After a small break the wet race was under way with the BMW of Haslam in the front.
But as usual in the rain the man at the front felt down, just like Haslam, Rea and Badovini.
Guintoli had a steady pace behind the leaders and when they felt down he took over and stayed in front, taking his first ever victory in the World Superbikes. After a careful start Checa started to go to the front with his teammate Giugliano in second place he tried passing him in the GT corner but Giugliano held the second place.
Race 2 was declared a wet race but the circuit was drying up and Guintoli took advantage of the slippery condition by taking a lot of risk, he opened up a big gap.
Behind him was his teammate Smrz trying to do the same but he eventually felt.
At the end of the race it was clear that the tires were crucial and that those of Guintoli where declining fast. Rea was the upcoming man and went to the front, taking victory for the home team Ten Kate Honda racing.
With Guintoli coming second and a well deserved third for Laverty.
For World Champion Checa race 2 was very disappointing due to a technical problem he was forced to come into the pit. He eventually went out again and clocked very decent lap times.
Pictures are taken in the GT corner, where a lot of overtakes take place at the end of the race. We also made some action shots coming out of the slowest corner Strubben.
Stay tuned for the second part which will contain action shots of all the riders.
Special thanks to Pirelli for giving us this opportunity.
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