The second to last race weekend of the season 2021 in Argentina
The FIM Supersport World Championship season 2021 continued last weekend at the Circuito San Juan Villicum in Argentina. The weekend got off to a good start, as Kallio Racing’s both riders were well under way immediately in the first practice session. Track grip was clearly better compared to previous years, which was also positive.
In Superpole, Hannes Soomer raced to 12th place, and Vertti Takala ranked 14th. Takala took a strong start into Saturday's race, immediately rising a few positions up. As the race progressed, he continued his good ascent, and with a flawless ride he raised himself to position 10.
As for Soomer, Saturday's race got off to a difficult start and a collision at the first bends dropped him on the tails of the group. “The race as whole was pretty difficult for Hannes and we didn’t see the kind of attempt that we are used to from Hannes”, says Kallio Racing’s team manager Vesa Kallio. Hannes Soomer rode to the finish right behind Öttl and ranked 12th. On Sunday he pressed on and right off the start he rose nicely to fifth place and went through the race with a fierce battle among the top group. After a good race, Soomer side-lined his best result of the season, riding to finish 4th. “It was good to see that after a difficult Saturday, Hannes was able to make a great ride on Sunday”, says Vesa Kallio.
Vertti Takala's Sunday’s race also got off well and on the first lap he raced in position seven, in the same group with Hannes Soomer. Due to a minor mistake with gears, he dropped from this group to 11th position, but after a hard fight he raced to finish in 7th position. “Vertti had a tight battle with Van Straalen, who was ahead of him in Saturday's standings. This time, however, Vertti did not give him a chance and after a good fight, Vertti was ranked 7th, which is a tough performance from here. Altogether, this was Vertti’s best weekend. The race weekend in Argentina was good on the whole and after good races, it's easier to go to the last race weekend of the season in Indonesia”, says Vesa Kallio.
Hannes Soomer:
“This weekend we had some problems on Friday and Saturday that luckily the team was able to solve for Sunday. We were 20 seconds faster in race 2 compared to race 1 which I am very happy about. It’s been a while since we had a decent race result and I think everyone in the team deserved it. I enjoyed riding and am keen to continue this way in Indonesia.”
Vertti Takala:
“It was a pretty good weekend in its entirety. I changed my own way of working a little bit before the weekend and it seemed to work. I quickly got off to good speed and enjoyed riding all the time. A bit irritated by that little mistake in the second race that dropped me out of the battle for the top 5 standings, but still must be happy with the weekend! Thanks to the team and the mechanics who did a good job all weekend!”
The World Supersport season 2021s last race weekend takes place in Indonesia, Mandalika from 19 to 21 November.
Race results
Championship standings:
https://resources.worldsbk.com/files/results/2021/ARG/SSP/002/STD/ChampionshipStandings.pdf?version=67e649219847fb6e7ff3ae98ae3ca54c&_ga=2.228226714.665140087.1634624155-492561142.1634624150
Text: Kallio Racing
Pictures: GeeBee Images
