Good race day for Ten Kate Junior

07-05-2012

The Superstock 600 European Championship race was held under very bad weather conditions due to a hailstorm just before the start.

Chesaux rode a strong race from the start as he was already third after two laps. Because of the earlier rain and hail, the race was shortened to only six laps but that was no problem for the Swiss rider. He gave everything he had in the last laps and earned his first Superstock 600 podium, a well-deserved reward after a weekend of hard work.

Like his team-mate, Michael van der Mark rode a very impressive Superstock 600 European Championship race also. The EAB Ten Kate Junior Team rider was very good in the sprint to the first corner but was hampered by heavy traffic in the chicane. A podium was possible if the race was held over two more laps. On the other hand, Van der Mark was lucky that he could avoid a crash with Stéphane Egea. The Frenchman lost the control of his Yamaha just in front of Van der Mark who responded very quickly.

The race day at Monza started very well for the EAB Ten Kate Junior Team because Fabio Massei finished fourth in the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup race. The race took place on a semi-wet track and these conditions made it very hard. Massei had a brilliant start from eleventh on the grid and was fifth after one lap. Halfway through the race the gap was getting smaller towards the podium places. Like Van der Mark, a podium was possible if the race was held over one more lap.

Bastien Chesaux (STK600 race – 3rd - 13'20.853): “It was a hard race. All the braking points were very wet and that made it very difficult. I needed a good start and had a good start. I learned a lot from other riders in the first laps and that gave me a big advantage at the end of the race. I’m very happy with my first Superstock 600 podium. The team did a superb job and gave me a great bike. Thanks to all of them!”

Michael van der Mark (STK600 race – 4th - 13'22.055): “I had a good start but was held-up in the first corner. Luckily my race pace was very good but I lost a lot of time again when Egea crashed in front of me. Unfortunately the race was shortened, otherwise a podium finish was possible. But fourth under these weather conditions is good. Congratulations to Bastien, he earned the podium as he rode very strong.”

Fabio Massei (STK1000 – 4th - 21'24.326): “Of course I'm happy with fourth place but a podium finish was so close. Unfortunately it took a lot of time overtaking other riders. This was too bad because my race pace was good, very good. This hopefully is the beginning of a lot of good results. I want to thank everyone who helped me this weekend. Next race is in Misano, my second home race in a row.”



Photo: Pers Racing