A small mistake condemns Mantovani in Race 1 at Mandalika

First day of racing for the Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team at the Mandalika track, ended bitterly. In Race 1 Andrea Mantovani once again showed that he could aspire to a top ten place, but a crash on lap eight compromised his race.

In the morning Mantovani got the OK from the doctors to race, having partially recovered from the illness that had struck him yesterday, and therefore took to the track for Superpole. Here 'Mantorex' put in nine laps, finishing 14th on the grid.

At 12 local time Race 1 got underway, characterized in the early stages by light rain in some sectors of the track, which did not however prevent the riders from using slick tyres. Author of a good start Mantovani immediately managed to recover two positions, steadily occupying 12th place until lap number 8, when he crashed without consequences in turn 16.

Andrea then attempted to rejoin the race but, according to the race direction, did not respect the instructions of the marshals: for this the race direction gave him a long lap penalty, to be served in Race 2.

Nevertheless, tomorrow Mantovani and the Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team will once again be on the hunt for results: at 1.55 CET it will be time for the Warm Up, while at 5.00 CET the lights will go out for Race 2.

Andrea Mantovani - RET
"It was a difficult day, primarily because of my physical condition. Despite this I made a good start, and the race was shaping up positively: unfortunately on re-entering the track after a mistake I ended up on the dirt, so when I opened the throttle I crashed. It's a shame, but we mustn't give up: tomorrow we have another chance, regardless of the long lap I have to make".

Fabio Evangelista (Team Principal):
"I am sorry for the outcome of the race, as once again Andrea had the potential to get a top ten place. The crash was unfortunate, but his recent physical problems certainly didn't help him in today's demanding race. In any case, there is a new race to be held tomorrow, in which we will be able to count on the experience we gained today".