Manzi (Ten Kate Racing) was keen to get a front row grid spot as he continues to try and chase down the championship lead, but the Italian could only manage 4th place. When it was time to go racing in the late summer heat he pulled out all the stops and kept his R6 in contention and his rival under pressure until the final moments, eventually taking a very solid second place and another 20 points, allowing for a comfortable gap behind him in the championship standings, although he now trails 51 points from the top.
Meanwhile, Debise (GMT94 Yamaha) put in a superb performance on home turf to qualify on the front row of the grid in second, a position that he put to great use when he challenged for the rostrum throughout the race and looked visibly comfortable on his R6. He claimed a maiden podium, much to the delight of his French team and the buoyant crowd.
Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) has adapted well to his new team and the Italian qualified in ninth place. He fought well in the race to grab a Top 10 finish and is hungry for more in Race 2.
