Cluzel skates clear of Krummenacher, Caricasulo

Full race results from Thailand

Jules Cluzel has claimed victory in Thailand to draw level with Randy Krummenacher at the top of the World Supersport standings after sprinting clear of any late attacks.

The GMT94 Yamaha rider became involved in a four-rider tussle for the lead with the Bardahl Evan Bros Yamaha duo of Krummenacher and Federico Caricasulo plus rookie Issac Vinales on the Kallio Racing Yamaha.

But with the trio behind him trading passes at the start of the final lap, Cluzel was able to get his head down to charge to victory.

Krummenacher rescued second place after dropping down to eight on the opening lap after being pushed off track at the first corner. The Swiss rider charged through the pack on lap record pace to reach the podium battle and saw off team-mate Caricasulo to take a vital second place.

The results see Cluzel and Krummenacher tied on 45 points at the top of the championship after the opening two rounds.

With Caricasulo having to settle for the final podium spot, Isaac Vinales enjoyed an eye-catching performance in fourth place in just his second World Supersport race.

MV Agusta’s Raffaelle De Rosa’s late charge saw him take fifth place off Hikari Okubo on the Puccetti Kawasaki, with Hector Barbera a step off in seventh place for Team Toth Yamaha.

Lucas Mahias recovered from a back of the grid start to take eighth place for Puccetti as Loris Cresson (Kallio Yamaha) and Hannes Soomer (Racedays Honda) rounded out the top 10.

Thomas  Gradinger suffered a cruel premature end to his race when he was forced to retirement with a mechanical problem while battling inside the top five.