Lorenzo Savadori (Milwaukee Aprilia) had some good pace in Portugal before crashing out, but the Italian used the lesson learned to take an impressive fourth place in Race 1 at the Acerbis French Round. From a front row start it was Savadori vs Xavi Fores (Barni Racing Team) to complete the podium and although the Italian didn’t come out on top, he stayed on the right side of the limit.

“My objective was the podium, but we’re a bit on the limit to stay there,” affirms Savadori. “I finished the rear tyre after five or six laps and struggled a lot for the rest of the race, but I came fourth!”

That he did, and the haul of points is a big positive. Looking ahead to Race 2, the Italian says there are some improvements to make – and hopes they can bridge that gap.

“We need to do something different to improve for tomorrow because it’s not a simple race and we want to make a step in front,” he explains. “I think we’ll make a different setup to improve some areas, because the other bikes I saw had good grip and we need to work on some changes. I hope to fight again for the first positions and the podium, and give 100%.”

One thing that could help in that mission? On Sunday, he’ll have the added boost of starting from pole. Find out how the Acerbis French Round concludes when the lights go out for Race 2 at 15:15 (GMT +2) – watch LIVE on the WorldSBK VideoPass.