Ninja ZX-6R rider Öncü set off from the third row of the grid in Race One at his Kawasaki Puccetti Racing team’s second home venue of the season, but a Turn 10 incident dashed any hopes he had of presenting his team with a season-best result.

Öncü restarted the race in second-to-last position but eventually pitted to take on fresh tyres. Under revised sporting rules introduced this season, the grid positions on the startline for the first nine riders in Race Two are determined by the fastest laps in Race One.

On fresh tyres Can was set the sixth best time of the opening race and he therefore claims the final position on the second row of the grid for Sunday’s scheduled 20-lap race. 

Can Öncü, stated: “Luck is just not on our side right now. I got off the line well and was making up positions when I came into contact with three other riders and crashed out. I rejoined the race and tried to catch up, but the front-runners were too far ahead. In the end I decided to come back into the garage and change tyres to set a good lap time, which will allow me to start from the second row of the grid for tomorrow’s second race.”

Spanish rider Borja Gomez Rus (Viamo Racing by MTM Kawasaki) qualified in a lowly 31st position but ended up 12th at the flag after an inspired ride. He scored four championship points at his first attempt.

One more WorldSSP race remains to be run at Cremona, on Sunday 22 September. 

                                               #NinjaSpirit