Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) scored the win by 2.7 seconds at Magny-Cours, in a race delayed because of early morning fog at the 4.411km circuit in the centre of France.

In taking his eighth victory in 13 attempts, Sofuoglu became the first rider ever to win eight WSS races in a single season, and ended the year with an extended record haul of 276 points.

In qualifying, the Turkish rider scored his fifth pole of the year, and he has now started every 2007 race from the front row of the grid. Just to underline Sofuoglu’s weekend of glory, he also set a new lap record of 1’42.740, on lap four, to go with his new absolute Supersport best lap from qualifying, 1’42.057.

Katsuaki Fujiwara (Althea Honda Team CBR600RR) had only qualified 12th for the race but in earning an eighth place finish in France he held on for fourth place in the championship, with a total of 101 points. Craig Jones (Honda CBR600RR) was third in the Magny-Cours race, behind Broc Parkes, and in doing so Jones has now secured fifth place in the title fight, with 94 points in total.

Sebastien Charpentier (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) had qualified third and was as high as fifth in the race, but pulled in to retire after slowing once more in the middle of the 22-lap run. He ends an unhappy year with 51 points, in 11th place.

Lorenzo Alfonsi (Althea Honda Team CBR600RR) had to start from 27th place on the grid after a crash affected his final qualifying push, and he ended his last race of 2007 in 17th place. His championship position of 15th, was not helped by three no-scores.

In the Manufacturers’ Championship Honda ended a successful season with a total of 296 points, 68 clear of second place.

Sofuoglu’s win was not without risk at some points, but the champion had it all under control at the end of 22 laps.

“I lost the front half way through and just a managed to hold on to the bike, but it was very close!” said Sofuoglu. “I didn’t push too hard in the first few laps because I know that I can be strong at the end of the race. I followed Broc and waited for the right time to pass. After I nearly crashed I thought I had better take it easy so I waited a few more laps before trying to overtake again. It was a big ambition of mine to win here and to get the record for the most Supersport wins in a season. I am really happy to end this season on top before I go into World Superbikes next year.”

Charpentier ended yet another race sliding down the order as the laps clicked by, leaving him disappointed after such a strong qualifying showing.

“It has been an unlucky season overall,” said the 2005 and 2006 World Champion. “I really wanted to end things on a good note. Unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be. I tried my best and I want to thank the team for the support they have given me this year and throughout my career.”

Fujiwara battled hard for his top ten race finish, especially as he is still in pain from a previous injury to his left foot and ankle.

“I made a good start, but after only three laps the pain really started in my left leg,” said Fujiwara. “I realised then that I just had to ride to get to the finish at a good pace and keep fourth position in the championship. The last five laps were very hard but we kept fourth overall, and that was important for both the team and myself.”

Alfonsi knew that the race would be hard after his qualification near the back of the grid, but fought hard all the same.

“I tried my best to get into the points,” said Alfonsi, “but I missed out. It was difficult with so many riders in front to pass but I made up nearly nine places. The group in front was too far to catch on the last few laps. Over the season I am reasonably satisfied, and if we had finished all the races we would have got a lot better points score, enough to put me in the top ten.”