First 2016 win for Sofuoglu

Kenan Sofuoglu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) took the early lead and kept it from pole position, with his team-mate Randy Krummenacher (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) second after 16-laps of running in the front group.

This was Sofuoglu’s first race win of the new season and the 33rd of his long career. In the championship the Kawasaki 1-2 keeps Krummenacher in the lead with 58 points and Sofuoglu is now third with 45.

Regular WSS privateer rider Nicolas Terol (Schmidt Racing MV Agusta) rode to a dramatic third place, having started from eighth, after some other top riders hit trouble. It was a popular podium for the local Spanish crowd to enjoy.

Jules Cluzel (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) was third early on with Alex Baldolini (Race Department ATK#25 MV Agusta) fourth. Both would experience problems, although Cluzel would finish fourth in the race; Baldolini no-scored.

A front end crash from PJ Jacobsen (Honda World Supersport Team) on his own at turn two put the leading Honda rider out of contention on lap one as his bike barrel-rolled into the gravel.

Baldolini’s bike blew and blue smoke came out of his machine down the main straight. He pulled over and stopped at the end of pitlane.

Eight laps in Cluzel dropped back three places in two corners, signalling some problems to his team on the pit wall on the next lap around.

With so many top names out of contention some new riders came to the fore, with Alessandro Zaccone (San Carlo Team Italia Kawasaki) fifth and his team-mate Axel Bassani (San Carlo Team Italia Kawasaki). Both are part time ESS riders, who only do the European rounds.

PI podium runner Federico Caricasulo (BARDAHL Evan Bros. Honda Racing) was seventh and fast starting Zulfahmi Khairuddin (Orelac Racing VerdNatura Kawasaki) eighth. The top ten was rounded out by Kevin Wahr (GEMAR Balloons – Team Lorini Honda) and Christian Gamarino (Team GOELEVEN Kawasaki).

Kyle Smith (CIA Landlord Insurance Honda) was 11^th, Kyle Ryde (Ranieri Med – SC Racing Yamaha) 12^th.