[Supersport] Misano qualifying: Jules Cluzel shines, Lucas Mahias a little less

Not having raced at Laguna Seca, unlike the Superbikes, the drivers in the Supersport category found themselves on the Marco Simoncelli circuit in Misano around a month after their last event contested in Brno. This Italian round was all the more important as there will only be four races left at the end of the season at Portimao, Magny-Cours, Argentina and Qatar. For the four leading drivers in the World Championship, scoring big points would prove crucial.

Corentin Perolari, on the GMT6 Yamaha R94 (ex Mike di Meglio at the start of the season), achieved the 10th time in Superpole 1 out of a total of 24 riders present (+ 10 already qualified for SP2). This qualified him in 20th place on the starting grid.

#WorldSSP riders head out for SP2!💥

Let's find out who's gonna be on pole!#RiminiWorldSBK pic.twitter.com/afgs9kFipl

- WorldSBK (@WorldSBK) July 7, 2018

During Superpole 2, Federico Caricasulo set the reference time in 1'38.2, while World Championship leader Sandro Cortese fell during his exit lap, without gravity and being able to restart with the engine running.

Caricasulo improved to 1'38.086, ahead of Stefano Valtulini (Kawasaki Pleo Racing Team), Jules Cluzel, Lucas Mahias and Randy Krummenacher. At the end of this first run, Cluzel was 0.7 and Mahias 0.8 behind leader Caricasulo, which was moderately reassuring. Sandro Cortese had no time, having not completed a single timed lap.

During the second and final run, Jules Cluzel moved to second, 0.4 behind Caricasulo, while Kyle Smith fell without seriousness. Sandro Cortese moved up to fourth position.

Federico Caricasulo finally finished first, which will allow him to start from the front row alongside Jules Cluzel and Randy Krummenacher. Raffaele de Rosa will start from second alongside Sandro Cortese and Lucas Mahias.