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Debuting in the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup in Aragon, the Aruba.it Racing - Junior Team climbed onto the top step of the podium with Leandro Mercado, who fought off a close challenge from his teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi.

The race was initially red-flagged due to a group collision at Turn 1 as the track was difficult to clear, and the subsequent restart saw the race shortened to an 8 lap sprint. Leandro Mercado got an incredible start as the lights went out for the second time, getting the holeshot and escaping into the lead.

Rinaldi, an STK600 graduate, caught his more experienced teammate by lap 3 and the pair traded positions during lap 6 before finishing in close proximity, with the Argentinian in front and the young Italian rookie only four tenths of a second behind on his STK1000 debut.

“What a fantastic race!” grinned Mercado. “The result was a nice surprise as we’ve been struggling both during free practice and qualifiers, without being able to make many laps. I managed to get two good starts, and then I simply tried to be as consistent as possible. I’m very happy to start the season with a victory, now we have to keep pushing to stay on the same course in Assen.”

Rinaldi was equally happy with the day: “For me, it’s been a great way to make my debut in this class,” said the young Italian. “We’ve been fast since qualifiers, but unfortunately they stopped the race just when I was feeling I could try to pull away from the group. At the second start I couldn’t be as effective, the gap with Leandro was going up and down and I decided not take risks. Thanks to all the team, the bike was just perfect!”

The Aruba.it Racing - Junior Team riders will be back on track in Assen as STK1000 prepare for their next Round in the Netherlands, with the goal set as defending their early Championship advantage.