Although Sofuoglu was disappointed, his points haul was sufficient to pick up the Manufacturers' Championship for Honda with two rounds remaining.
He got off to great start and had a fierce battle for the top spot with Broc Parkes, as the pair swapped places numerous times in an exhilarating display of inch-perfect riding.
In the end, the win went to Parkes; however the Hannspree Ten Kate Honda rider made an official complaint to the series organiser, as he believed that Parkes had overtaken while the yellow flag was out. A lack of evidence meant that the victory remained with Parkes.
"For me it was really important to win this race because I won here last year and also because I am the champion now so I feel that I should prove myself by winning,” said Sofuoglu.
“Broc Parkes was really strong and I know that his bike is good around here. I fought with him for the entire 23-laps and it was not easy, but there is only so much you can do without losing the grip in the rear and in the front. He managed to get passed me and by the final lap I knew there was nothing more I could do to catch him. Anyway, I put in 100 per cent here so I know that at Vallelunga and Magny-Cours I will put in 130 per cent because I really want to win those races!" he concluded.
