UPS AND DOWNS: History made in Race 1 and a potentially costly crash in Race 2…
The season-opening round at MotorLand Aragon produced some top moments for riders but there were also some low moments…
The 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season got underway this weekend with the Pirelli Aragon Round at MotorLand Aragon with three thrilling races full of action. History was made throughout the weekend and with two different winners in three races, weather playing havoc on Sunday and incidents throughout, it was a classic season-opening weekend.
After looking to secure his 100th WorldSBK victory at the end of the 2020 campaign, but being denied, Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) had his first opportunity in 2021 to reach the epic milestone and he grabbed it with both hands. After starting from pole position in Race 1, he led every lap on his way to yet again re-writing the history books as he claimed victory in stunning fashion. It was a moment that will go down in motorcycle racing folklore, and a moment Rea will never forget and was one of the high moments of the Aragon Round.
The early drama in Race 2 involved Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and Rea, with the American showing rapid pace in the early stages of Race 2. With 16 of the 18 laps left to run, Gerloff made contact with Rea at Turn 14 when the pair were running first and second, with Rea leading. Rea was able to scoot across the gravel and while he lost positions, he was able to recover to finish second. Although Gerloff was able to recover to finish seventh, it’s possible he cost himself a podium finish given his strong pace in the early laps of the race.
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