Kawasaki’s Kenan Sofuoglu and Frenchman Jules Cluzel scrapped it out the World Supersport win at Assen with the MV Agusta rider taking to the grass into the final chicane after a collision mid-corner.
Cluzel had gone up the inside of the Turk but Sofuoglu went back around the outside at Gert Timmer, Cluzel’s front wheel rubbed Sofuoglu’s rear and he had to sit up and run across the grass.
The move allowed Britain’s Kyle Smith to move in and he was only beaten to second by Cluzel by the narrowest of margins. It was Smith’s second podium in a row after his third place at Motorland Aragon last weekend.
Smith, who led the opening two laps after making a great start, finished ahead of PJ Jacobsen, who once again showed that he is in contention for the championship.
Roberto Rolfo (Team Lorini) in his 21st year of racing achieved 5th, coming home ahead of Lorenzo Zanetti (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) who was 6th.
Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Intermoto Ponyexpres) had a lonely race to 7th at the flag with Marco Faccani (San Carlo Puccetti Racing), Alex Baldolini (Race Department ATK#25) and Riccardo Russo (CIA Landlords Insurance Honda) completing the top ten at the end of an exciting lap race.
Gino Rea has struggled all weekend and finished just outside the points in 14th while team-mate Kieran Clarke was two spots further back.
