Race one

After posting excellent times in the shortened practice session, Joe 2nd fastest and Leon running 6th, both riders bogged down on the line and rounded the first corner mid pack. As the race progressed, the fantastic grip provided by the Goldspeed tyres was being put to good use, Joe gaining five places after three laps and Leon moving up six positions in the same period. Now running 9th and 13th respectively, Joe and Leon continued to push hard around the tight and twisty hardpack circuit, Leon taking the chequered flag for a hard earned 12th place, and Joe moving up another four spots to 5th, despite a mechanical problem slowing his progress for the last half of the race.

Race two

The second moto provided yet more drama for the Mercuria teammates. After being pushed off the circuit in the second corner, Joe found himself in 20th position at the end of the opening lap, but with the Lonestar / Ohlins suspension working perfectly, Joe was able to scythe his way through the pack, making up an amazing eleven positions to finish 9th. Leon got a fantastic start and was running in 5th for the first third of the race before a huge bump on one of the fast uphill sections caused him to run off the circuit and drop to 14th. Dusting himself off and getting the Yamaha YFZ450 fired up, Leon quickly settled in to his rhythm and made up three places over the remainder of the race, crossing the line after fourteen laps in 11th.