SBK Vallelunga: best ever result for Shinichi Nakatomi

Finishing two times in 9th position, Shinichi Nakatomi brilliantly achieved his best ever result since he entered the Superbike World Championship. In great shape on the Vallelunga track, Tomy had two good races, facing a very strong opposition, and he proved the quality of the Yamaha R1 provided by Martial Garcia’s team.
 
In the first race, Nakatomi had a good start and he was 9th after one lap. He then progressed to 8th position, but lost one place to Fonsi Nieto (Kawasaki) when he experienced a problem with the rear tyre.

Nakatomi had a careful start in race 2 because there was some oil on the track from a previous race. He then gained a few positions and fought with Max Neukirchner (Suzuki) until the checkered flag. He could stay in front of the German rider and the World Championship leader James Toseland (Honda) who crashed previously without damage.

Max Biaggi (Suzuki) won the first race in front of Troy Bayliss (Ducati), with the result being exactly the opposite for race 2. Noriyuki Haga (Yamaha) ended up 4th and 3rd and can still be World Champion next weekend at Magny-Cours against James Toseland and Max Biaggi.

Shinichi Nakatomi: « I am happy. The first race was difficult because I could feel some vibrations coming from the rear wheel after 3 or 4 laps. During the last 5 laps, it was impossible to keep a good rhythm. Without this tyre problem, maybe I could have finished 7th. At the start of race 2, I was careful. I had to adapt to the oil spot on the track. After that, I gained positions and I had a good fight with Max Neukirchner. Finally I kept my 9th position. I am happy. I shall try to gain one position in the standings at Magny-Cours. My goal is to be in front of Jacub Smrz and to allow the team to progress in the team standings.�

Team-manager Martial Garcia: “Shinichi Nakatomi was in great shape and we could be 8th during most of the first race. Unfortunately, the rear tyre turned around the rim and there was a lack of balance. It’s why he lost one position. Tomy confirmed his good shape in race 2. He had a good fight with Max Neukirchner, a top rider. We are confident for Magny-Cours because our rider and our Yamaha R1 are now completely competitive.�

Race 1:
1-1-Biaggi (Suzuki), 2-Bayliss (Ducati), 3-Toseland (Honda), 4-Haga (Yamaha), 5-Fabrizio (Honda)…9-Nakatomi (Yamaha)

Race 2:
1- Bayliss (Ducati), 2- Biaggi (Suzuki), 3- Haga (Yamaha), 4-Corser (Yamaha), 5-Rolfo (Honda)…9- Nakatomi (Yamaha)

World Championship standings:
1- Toseland (Honda) 396 points, 2- Biaggi (Suzuki) 367, 3- Haga (Yamaha) 363, 4- Bayliss (Ducati) 341, 5- Corser (Yamaha) 267…15- Nakatomi (Yamaha) 116

13th and last round of the Superbike World Championship: October 7th at Magny-Cours (France)