Steven Odendaal, winner of the first races of the season, arrives in Portugal more motivated than ever, ready to prove his worth once again at a track that is particularly dear to him. Last season the South African scored one of the three fourth places of the year at the Portuguese track, which was his best finish in the category, right up to the two stunning wins at Aragon.
The Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team can count on the data collected last season, when the Estoril circuit returned to the WorldSBK calendar after a long absence, and on the excellent results achieved in both Race 1 and Race 2, where they took a win and a second place. The reigning World Champion team is aiming to defend its lead in the team championship, where it leads the standings with full points (50 points).
The weekend's programme will open on Friday with two free practice sessions scheduled for 11.25 and 16.00, while Saturday will see the Superpole (10.25) and Race 1 (15.15). Sunday the programme will end with Race 2, scheduled at 12.30. The Superpole and the two 18-lap races will be broadcast on Sky Sport Collection, channel 205 of Sky.
WEEKEND TIMETABLE (ITALIAN TIME) - SUPERSPORT
Friday
12.25 - 13.10 FP1
17.00 - 17.45 FP2
Saturday
11.25 - 11.45 Superpole
16.15 - Race 1 (18 laps)
Sunday
10.25 - 10.40 Warm up
13.30 - Race 2 (18 laps)
Steven Odendaal: "I arrive at this second round of the season in the best possible spirit, thanks to the double success in Aragon, and I can't wait to get on track in Estoril. It's a track I like, where I got my best result of the season last year, so I'm looking forward to doing well. I'm ready to get back to work with the team, with whom I'm getting along perfectly in all aspects, and I'm also ready for new battles with my rivals".
Fabio Evangelista (Team Principal): "There's no need to hide it, we arrive in Estoril still dazed and excited after the two wins in Aragon: we knew that our package, together with Steven's speed and experience, could have had a very good potential right from the start, but considering the course of our winter we didn't expect such results right away. Anyway, it's time to think about the Portuguese round, which will undoubtedly be challenging. Steven's physical condition is not yet 100%, as the total rehabilitation of his shoulder will still be a long process, but we know that Estoril is a track he likes a lot, so we want to push on the accelerator. We have what it takes to get more success right away, but we have to remain humble and focused, preparing the weekend in great detail from Friday's FP1. I'm sure the team will work in the best possible way to allow Steven to express himself at his best once again".