After more than two years of trying, Kawasaki is celebrating a return to the World Supersport winners' circle after Joan Lascorz held off Cal Crutchlow for victory at Magny-Cours.

A long-awaited second career win for the Spaniard, who has been a revelation since switching to the struggling manufacturer at the beginning of the season, Lascorz proved more than a match for the championship leader by shrugging off an apparent disadvantage in a straight line to prove far superior under braking.

Leading from almost lights-to-flag, the victory signals Kawasaki's first since Fabien Foret won at Phillip Island in 2007 – 37 races ago – and comes after a season in which the newly formed Provec Motocard team has revived the manufacturers' fortunes at this level.

“We have all been working for this for a long time, so I really want to dedicate it to my team and Kawasaki, who have helped to make this happen,” Lascorz said. “Our bike has been really good all weekend, and we are even now preparing the bike for next year, when I am sure there will be a big improvement again.

“The bike was very consistent today and it even felt better at the end of the race than it did at the start. The braking felt easy this race and that helped me defend in corners as well as attack. Next race is Portimao and I am looking forward to it.”

Lascorz, who recently confirmed he has re-signed with Kawasaki for 2010, is now just six points behind Kenan Sofuoglu in the battle for third in the overall standings.