The Yamaha R3 Challenge bLU cRU riders Galang Hendra Pratama and Andy Verdoïa have put up a splendid performance at the Jerez WorldSSP300 rounds. For the first time, the round featured two races. Verdoïa led in Race 1 on Saturday and came in fifth place just one-tenth ahead of teammate Galang Hendra. As for Race 2, Galang Hendra finished fourth. Due to the weather conditions, the race in Imola was cancelled. Hence, the riders were left with two races in Jerez. The Yamaha R3 Challenge bLU cRU riders will return next week. This time, at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for Round 5 of the FIM Supersport 200 World Championship.
Photo credits: Yamaha Racing
“The Jerez weekend was a good one from the start. Already in free practice, I had a good rhythm and we had found a good setting for the bike too. This meant that in Superpole I had the pace to qualify on the front row. In Race 1 I tried to push from the beginning. Then I made a mistake by being in the wrong position on the last lap. But I was satisfied with sixth in what was a very close race,” says Galang Hendra as quoted from Yamaha Racing. “In Race 2, big drama! I pushed hard from the start. Since the stoppage meant we were racing over just seven laps rather than full race distance. I managed to jump across from the second group to the front group but, in the last lap. Then I closed the gas too early because I thought it was the first and not the second line that was the finish. I was narrowly beaten in the battle for the podium. A lesson learnt and one not to be repeated. It was my mistake and I’m so sorry for the team and everyone who supports me. I know they were disappointed to miss out on a podium finish. I will be out to make amends in Misano, which is our home track and one where we will have a lot of support.”
Photo credits: Yamaha Racing
“Overall the Jerez weekend was a positive one for me. On Thursday we had some fun during the bLU cRU photo shoot before getting down to business on Friday. Free practice was going well until I had a big crash, which left me a bit bruised and stiff. On Saturday we did a really good job with the team and I improved my pace a lot, which allowed me to qualify on the second row in Superpole. The first race was really nice, with a big battle at the front, and I was happy to finish top five. “Sunday started well, with a good warm-up session, followed by a strong start to Race 2. Unfortunately, I made contact with another rider in the final turn and crashed. I managed to restart because, for me, it is important never to give up and to finish every race you start if possible.