WorldSPB: The first ever World Sportbike race was won by Antonio Torres (Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI).

Following a red flag the race was run over five laps and just five hundredths of a second covered the podium finishers. Torres led the race for mere metres but won the race to the chequered flag from his teammate David Salvador.

Behind the Kawasaki duo were the Track & Trades Wixx Racing duo of Ferre Fleerackers and Jeffrey Buis.

The race was reduced to a five lap distance due to a red flag in the initial staging due to track conditions that led to multiple crashes. Xavi Artigas (MTM Kawasaki) was one of the riders who crashed but the Spaniard rode back to the pits and started the restart from second row. He led in the early stages but ultimately settled for fifth position at the flag.

P1 – Antonio Torres (Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI)

“This was a crazy race! I started from 17th because of a grid penalty but we recovered very well. It’s a one-two for the team and we’re super happy. This is my first victory in the World Championship so it’s incredible for me. It was a chaotic race with the red flag and then a five lap restart. It made everyone feel more nervous than usual. For the restart I was already further to the front but to finish with the win is just amazing.”

Race 1 Results

1. Antonio Torres (Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI)
2. David Salvador (Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI) +0.023s
3. Ferre Fleerackers (Track & Trades Wixx Racing) +0.055s
4. Jeffrey Buis (Track & Trades Wixx Racing) +0.400s
5. Xavi Artigas (MTM Kawasaki) +0.464s
6. Bruno Ieraci (CM Triumph Factory Racing) +0.547s

Fastest lap: Loris Veneman (Kawasaki) – 1’48.894s

For more info checkout our dedicated WorldSPB (World Sportsbike) News page superbike-news.co.uk/category/world-sportbike/

Or visit the official World Superbike website worldsbk.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of WorldSBK.com

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