World Supersport Championship, Donington Park, Race Report

Paolo Casoli ran away with the race win at Donington Park to extend his lead in the World Supersport Championship. The Italian led from the start and was soon several seconds ahead of the pack. Casoli was blissfully unaware of the mayhem behind him that was the battle for second place. Australian Karl Muggeridge eventually won that battle, which saw riders banging fairings in mid-corner in an all-out effort to make it to the podium.

While Casoli romped away with the lead, James Whitham, his Belgarda Yamaha team mate, fought tooth and nail with Muggeridge on his Suzuki, reigning Supersport champion Jorg Teuchert and Muggeridge’s team mate Katsuaki Fujiwara. Whitham, who was struggling for grip towards the end of the race, lost out Teuchert and Muggeridge managed to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. The pair clashed in the final corner as they fought for the best drive onto the start finish straight. Muggeridge got the advantage, and second place as the pair powered out of the final corner.

Paolo Casoli’s victory was especially welcome as his closest rivals in the title hunt all finished lower down the order, allowing the Italian to take a commanding points lead as they prepare for the next round in Germany on June 10. Casoli now has 83 points and Muggeridge has jumped from sixth to second in the table. Kevin Curtain stays in third place with fellow Australian Andy Pitt in fourth. Pole sitter Vitto Guareschi retired early in the race with tyre problems.

Manufacturers points: 1 Yamaha 104, 2 Honda 76, 3 Suzuki 61, 4 Kawasaki 56, 5 Ducati 30.Next round: Lausitzring, Germany - June 10