WSS : With win number eightKenan 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.
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.
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."
Honda Motor Sport
