The bLU cRU graduate enjoyed a strong Superpole performance to qualify second on the grid for this weekend’s races, and slotted into the lead battle in the early stages of today’s contest. The Spanish youngster hit the front on the final lap and held onto his advantage through the final sector, but was narrowly beaten to victory after being overtaken at the last corner.
With championship rival Marc Garcia missing out on a points-scoring result, Diaz gets his first opportunity of sealing the title in Race 2 tomorrow.
Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Cup graduate Humberto Maier continued his impressive run of form and found himself battling for the lead from 15th on the grid. The Brazilian eventually crossed the line in fifth, marking the best result of his rookie campaign.
Gabriele Mastroluca climbed from 22nd to finish sixth, ahead of Indonesian wildcard Aldi Mahendra, who impressed on his first world championship outing to take home seventh, just 0.551s away from victory. Mahendra’s Italian teammate Mirko Gennai rounded out the top 10.
For full Race 1 results, click here.
