Supersport 2012: Cluzel just misses podium in first race

Carbonin partners PTR HONDA and BOGDANKA PRT HONDA succesfully started World Supersport Championship at Phillip Island in Australia. Jules Cluzel took a fantastic fourth on his debut at the opening round – after fighting for the victory right through to the final lap.

Jules: “I am disappointed as the podium was very close. The problem was chatter in corners two and six and I had to push more with my rear tyre to keep a fast lap. Broc Parkes had more grip on his rear tyre and he passed me just before the last corner. Anyway, the team is happy and we will improve again for Imola.”

BOGDANKA PTR HONDA’S Sam Lowes led for the first four laps to finish a close fifth in the season opening World Supersport race and collect 11 championship points.

Mathew Scholtz put in an equally impressive performance to score points his debut World Supersport race, charging up to 14th position after dropping down to 20th having to avoid another rider’s incident on lap one.

Sam Lowes: “It was a good race. I’ve started off well and had a really good pace but unfortunately the tyres dropped off in the end. I wanted to win the race but I’m happy with fifth and scoring some points. It’s a long championship and I’m looking forward to Imola now. Chaz Davies didn’t score in the first race last year and still won the Championship so it’s not a bad start to the season

Simon Buckmaster, PTR Honda Team Manager: “It is a good start to the season for PTR and we can build from here. Jules hadn’t ridden our bike until he got here so his performance is impressive.”