Nozane Scores Points for GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team in Estoril Race 1

21-05-2022

Nozane Scores Points for GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team in Estoril Race 1

In Race 1 at the Estoril round of the 2022 FIM Superbike World Championship, GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team’s Kohta Nozane scored his first points of the season, while Garrett Gerloff was unfortunately ruled out following an injury sustained in a crash during Free Practice 3.

Both riders returned to Circuit Estoril this morning for the last session of free practice, following a strong Friday performance. Sadly, in the final stages of the session, Gerloff suffered a highside at Turn 13, which left him with a deep wound on his left knee. Due to this, the American was unable to take any further part in the day’s running.

Gerloff still finished the session in 12th, with his teammate Nozane just behind in 13th.

Nozane enjoyed a strong Superpole performance to qualify in 13th on a 1’36.980, just a few tenths off the third row. In Race 1, the Japanese ace enjoyed an excellent start to run ninth at the end of the first lap. The 26-year-old battled inside the top 15, eventually finishing 14th to score his first points of the season.

The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team will be back in action tomorrow in the Superpole Race at 11:00 (GMT +1) and Race 2 at 14:00.

Kohta Nozane

GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team

“I’m happy with the qualifying lap; unfortunately I had to start in 13th despite being really close to the fourth and even third rows, but overall this was not too bad. Then, I enjoyed the start in Race 1 where I gained a lot of positions and I tried to defend my position until the end. I just missed the 13th place in the final straight but we finally scored our first points of the season, which is good. Tomorrow we’ll try to improve and be even better.”

Garrett Gerloff

GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team

“It’s such a shame to have been ruled out after the crash I had this morning in FP3. The only positive note is that I haven’t broken anything, but it’s a real pity to have missed both Superpole and Race 1. We were fast on Friday and I had a good feeling with the bike. We could have done something really good here in Estoril. I’m really sorry for the team, but now I will just focus on getting better and better to come back stronger.”