She may have lost the war, but she won the battle of Magny-Cours; Ana Carrasco (Kawasaki Provec WorldSSP300) reigned victorious in a thrilling four-way scrap for supremacy in the World Supersport 300 outing. The reigning champion but in a great ride to take victory, but it wasn’t enough to keep her title hopes alive, as Manuel Gonzalez (Kawasaki ParkinGO Team) became the youngest ever World Champion with second place.

After wet weather had plagued the class throughout the weekend, the sun shine appeared, and perfect conditions allowed for more thrilling racing. Carrasco, Gonzalez, Scott Deroue (Kawasaki MOTOPORT), Andy Verdoïa (BCD Yamaha MS Racing) and Galang Hendra Pratama (Semakin Di Depan Biblion Motoxracing) all took turns in leading, but it would be Carrasco who prevailed, edging clear of the opposition on the final lap to come home with a comfortable enough margin.

Speaking after the race, she said: “The weekend has been very, very good. I felt very strong in the rain, also in the dry conditions, so I was ready for the race. I knew I could fight for victory, but it was not easy, because it was windier than before in the weekend. I pushed with everything I had, and I am happy to achieve another victory.”

Carrasco and Deroue are tied on points ahead of the final round at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar, but the floodlit finale awaits the scrap for second overall.  

Continuing to review her weekend and handing her WorldSSP300 crown over, she said: “We are always working in a good way and on the podium, but it is a shame to lose the championship, especially here where we won it last year. I will try to focus myself on the second place, we have to work in the same way and try to win in Qatar, because it is the only way to celebrate the second place in the championship.”

Will Carrasco be able to secure second overall? Find out with the WorldSBK VideoPass!