Yakhnich Motorsport: both riders on the podium!
SUPERSPORT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
IMOLA, ITALY
7 ROUND, 28-30 JUNE 2013
Sunday, 30 June
7th round of the World Supersport in Imola was unforgettable! Both riders Yakhnich Motorsport team – Vladimir Leonov and Sam Lowes for the first time in the history of the team bathed each other in champagne on the podium.
Two times during the race our riders went oout on the starting line as on the 6th lap there was a crash and red flag.
In the middle of the first lap after the restart Lowes turned out in the thick of rivals as failed chicane and missed few riders not violating the regulations. Leonov started from the third position and improved his results leaving behind Luca Scassa (Kawasaki Intermoto). After that Leonov pushed the current champion Kenan Sofuoglu (Mahi Racing Kawasaki). Meanwhile, Sam Lowes started to improve his results as after the red flag he was on the 9th position. On the 11th lap he caught up his teammate and got the new Pirelli Best Lap with the time 1'51''607.
The highlight lap was the last one. Leonov amd Lowes showed us the real race as they were not teammaetes, they were rivals. On the 12th turn Vladimir made a mistake and Sam decided to pass him taking the second position in the championship.
Vladimir Leonov: «Before the race i felt comfortable as we made competitive bike and morning practice confirmed it. The red flag was on my hand as I felt that the lever latch block weakened. On the restart I saw Scassa and realized that I should live him behind. Thanks to the team for my bike! Tires were perfect and I could get good pace! I wanted to be on the second position but in the Aqua Minerale made a mistake».
Sam Lowes: «In the beginning I felt that clutch sliped so trying to get Foret missed the turned and appeared in the grass. Avoiding penalization missed few rivals. It was hard to get them but I managed and got the second position. I’m very happy as it was a great day for all team and for us, Vladimir was great today!»
Roberto Barbieri, Leonov's chef-mechanic: «As we had lost Friday because of the technical problems, today Vladimir got not an ideal bike… But he is experienced rider and believes in his team he could show an excellent result! Today we saw real Vladimir! The guy who can give real emotion! I’m sure that it’s only the beginning!»
Nataliya Lubimova, team manager: «Both our riders showed incredible speed and very clever race. When emotions got back and professionalism gained the upper hand over everything and they showed that both worth to be on the podium. Sam and Vladimir made a great present for the birthday to our general manager Claudio Corsetti.Thank you for support!!!»