2006 Superstock 600 European Championship
Round 9, Imola, Italy
Circuit: 4.959 kms. Weather: D ry, 26 C.
 XAVIER
TAKES SECOND IN A THRILLER.
Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra rider Xavier Simeon had already
wrapped up the title, but that didn’t stop him having
one of the best fights of the season in the ninth round of
the championship at Imola. He was involved ina ding-dong battle
with Italian Davide Giugliano (Kawasaki) for the entire nine
lap race before overtaking his rival on the approach to the
final chicane on the last lap. But then he missed a gear and
was forced to go straight on instead of making the turn and
that allowed Giugliano to take the chequered flag. After a
bit of grass-tracking, Xavier rejoined the track to take a
comfortable second place. Third went to Frenchman Sylvain
Barrier (Yamaha)
XAVIER - 2nd
Although I already had the title, I wanted to stamp my authority
on the championship with a win here at Imola. Giugliano and
I had a great battle in the race and I decided to make my
move on the final lap. I passed him on the brakes going into
the final chicane, but then I missed a gear and had to go
straight on. I was carrying too much speed to make the turn,
so I was forced to straighten the bike up and go across the
grass. I am disappointed because I know that if I hadn’t
had the gear problem I would have won the race for sure. But
now at least I can celebrate the title before going to the
last round at Magny-Cours - where I intend to finish the season
with a win.
Results
1 Giugliano (I-Kawasaki), 2 XAVIER SIMEON (B-Alstare Suzuki
Corona Extra), 3 Barrier (F-Yamaha), 4 Magnoni (I-Yamaha),
5 Ten Napel (NL-Yamaha), 6 Beretta (I-Suzuki)
Points
1 XAVIER SIMEON (B-Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra) 196, 2 Canepa
151, 3 Giugliano 145, 4 Colucci 75, 5 Antonelli 68, 6 Jezek
61,
|
