The Metzeler National Superstock Champion, Brendan Roberts took his first win in the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup on board his HP Racing Suzuki at Imola.
Over the line Roberts actually finished in second place to Luca Scassa on the MV Agusta, however when Scassa's bike was checked over after the race some abnormalities were found which lead to his disqualification, giving Roberts the win.
Speaking to
Crash.net Radio Roberts said, “I was standing on the second step of the podium and I was taking that no worries, I was very happy. Then after an hour or so I got wind of a technical fault with Scassa's MV, they had it in pieces in park ferme, it is probably about time that happened. They found a few sensors that shouldn't have been there and I've been moved up one so it is all good. First win here but it is kinda bitter sweet, I want to be first across the line. Hopefully I have one more chance next week and I can get it but I'll still take the twenty five points.”
Magny Cours, like the other European circuits will be all new to the young Australian, “Magny I don't even know which way turn one goes, it won't be a problem, take it easy in the first two sessions and then try and get on the pace,” he said.
In preparation for the race at Imola Roberts took part in an Italian Championship race the weekend before. “It all went alright in the Italian Championship, I was racing in the Superbike class but on my Superstock bike it wasn't too bad as I was getting towed around by some faster guys. Me and Badovini were the only guys in there on Stock bikes so I had someone to compare myself to, and we were both on the Pirelli control tyres. It was good to ride around with him and learn a fair bit but the main thing was to learn the circuit. It is blind, difficult, and probably one of the toughest tracks I've had to learn this year,” concluded Roberts.
Although he has missed four rounds of the European Championship, Roberts is still in a strong fifth place in the over all championship standings. He has confirmed that he wants to stay in Europe next season but as yet can't say who he is riding for. There is no doubt he will be out to win the championship next year.
