THE EUROPEAN Superstock 600 Championship battle had a terrific ending as Britain's Gino Rea (Ten Kate Honda) scored a third place finish in the race to take the title by just one point from Marco Bussolotti (Yamaha Trasimeno), who was the winner ahead of Vincent Lonbois (MTM Yamaha), who finished third overall in the standings.
The race revolved around the duel between these three riders, who repeatedly exchanged positions and the result went right down to the line. Danilo Petrucci (Yamaha Trasimeno) was immediately out of the equation as he lost touch with the leading trio, while poleman Eddi La Marra (Honda Lorini) crashed on the sighting lap before taking his place on the grid.
Rea, 20, said: "I can't believe it! To be the European champion is just a dream come true. It's been an amazing year and hopefully now I can get a ride in the Supersport championship and continue to learn and develop there. Winning this title is like a dream, it's going to take some time to sink in for sure."
Results:
1. Bussolotti M. (ITA) Yamaha YZF R6 18'07.948 (151,948 kph);
2. Lonbois V. (BEL) Yamaha YZF R6 0.455;
3. Rea G. (GBR) Honda CBR600RR 0.507;
4. Karlsen F. (NOR) Yamaha YZF R6 12.942;
5. Petrucci D. (ITA) Yamaha YZF R6 13.069;
6. Guarnoni J. (FRA) Yamaha YZF R6 13.304;
7. Marino F. (FRA) Honda CBR600RR 13.314;
8. Morelli N. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 13.630
Points: 1. Rea 154; 2. Bussolotti 153; 3. Lonbois 151; 4. Petrucci 146; 5. La Marra 104; 6. Guarnoni 104; 7. Guittet 78: 8. Kerschbaumer 76; 9. Karlsen 43; 10. Morelli 42
