Yorkshire pitchfork Dan Linfoot bagged his best-ever World Championship result at Magny-Cours, taking third place in the Supersport race despite the best efforts of fellow Kawasaki rider Kenan Sofuoglu who nerfed him off on the last lap and was immediately penalised for the brainless pass into Adelaide corner
Linfoot had been battling with Sam Lowes for most of the race, the pair vying for the final rostrum spots as Jules Cluzel cleared off into the lead, but already-crowned World Champion Sofuoglu took it upon himself to ride into the side of Linfoot after finding pace that was two second a lap faster than the leaders.
Sofugolu knocked Linfoot off the MDS R-N Kawasaki to take third - a move that could have broken Linfoot's leg or worse. The Turk was instantly given a 25-second penalty which put him back behind the number four bike and Linfoot was on the podium as he had managed to re-mount after doing a bit of justified swearing.
"I desperately wanted that podium. I needed to show not only the world, but also myself, that I can ride a bike fast and in those conditions. Having looked back at the race, the television footage makes it look like my bike was moving around a lot more that it felt when I was on it but I just kept it pinned whenever I could," said Linfoot, speaking to bikesportnews this morning.
"It was a rash move by Sofuoglu and I was very angry until I saw that he had been penalised and I was on the podium. Then it all went away and I was over the moon. It couldn't have come at a better time and I hope it sets me up well for next season."
