Corti got his season off to a good start with a second place at today's opening round of the 2007 Superstock 1000 FIM Cup. Didier van Keymeulen, riding for the TTSL-MGM Racing Team and former Superstock champion, rounded up a Yamaha dominated podium in third. Rookie Superstock 1000 rider Michele Pirro showed a strong ability running in the top three, before a crash on the penultimate lap.

All three riders had already shown the YZF-R1s capability in qualifying earlier in the weekend, with Pirro taking pole position in his debut race and van Keymeulen lining up in third. Corti started just off the front row in fifth.

From the start Pirro showed great potential, maintaining his lead and putting some distance between him and the rest of the pack. Unfortunately a red flag on lap four dictated a restart so Pirro lost his advantage. With the race reduced to an eight lap sprint Pirro set a new lap record of 1'34.653 on lap two of the re-started race.

The three Yamaha riders diced for position in the top five throughout the race. Unluckily a mistake by Pirro on the penultimate lap saw him crash out whilst trying to overtake Badovini (MV Augusta) for second place. He re-mounted to finish 30th. This mistake pushed Corti and van Keymeulen up to second and third positions respectively. Corti made a final attempt to take first place on the last corner of the last lap but settled for second.

Canepa (Ducati) won the race with Corti second and Didier van Keymeulen completing the podium.

Claudio Corti (2nd - Yamaha Motor Italia Lorenzini by Leoni)
"I had a very good start but after two laps with good tyres I then had trouble running at the top of the pack. After passing van Keymeulen I managed to get close to Canepa. I tried to pass him but it wasn't possible. In any case, I am happy with 20 points."

Didier van Keymeulen (3rd - TTSL-MGM Racing)
"My first race start wasn't perfect and I went down to fourth, but I felt I had good corner speed, which is important as it is so difficult to overtake at this track. I knew I could do better and was happy with my second position at the next start. When I was overtaken by Pirro I tried to slipstream but I couldn't find a good opportunity to overtake so I settled for third. I am very happy with this result in my first race back in Superstock.

The 2007 R1 feels similar to the 2006 model but much better. I like the handling in the corner and for me it is one of the strongest bikes out there."
 
Michele Pirro (30th - Yamaha Motor Italia Lorenzini by Leoni)
"The bike was good and I tried to get away, but following an error I waited until the penultimate lap, where I then tried to overtake Badovini. I made a mistake in braking, though, and crashed into him. I am sorry to my team and also to Badovini."