Argentinian Leandro Mercado (Barni Racing Team Ducati) led from start to finish to win the opening FIM Superstock 1000cc Cup race in perfect conditions this afternoon.

The 13 lap race was fast and furious with four riders involved in the fight for the final podium places.

Fabio Massei had a huge crash on lap 4, the Italian highsiding his EAB Racing Ducati without injury.

Behind Mercado, Lorenzo Savadori (Pedercini Kawasaki) edged clear to claim a lonely second place leaving Kyle Smith (Agro-On Wil Racedays Honda) and Christoffer Bergman (BWG Racing Kawasaki) to fight for third after Ondrej Jezek (Barni Ducati) retired with a technical problem.

At the flag it was Smith who claimed a historic podium in his first race in the series, with Bergman having to settle for fourth. Federico D’Annunzio (FDA Racing Team) and Matthieu Lussiana (Team GARNIER by ASPI) completed the top 6.

Mercado kept pushing, even with a comfortable three second lead and finished the race with the added bonus of the fastest lap.