The 2019 FIM World Supersport 300 Championship launched into action last weekend at Aragon, April 5-7 with a multitude of riders set to make their mark on the world stage in the WorldSBK feeder class.
Phillip Island Circuit backed Tom Bramich (Carl Cox-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) was eager to get his season underway after much anticipation.
“It’s my first time racing full-time in Europe, and I’m very much looking forward to the whole experience”
Said Bramich.
With more than 50 riders on the 2019 WorldSSP300 grid, practice and qualifying sessions are split into Group A and Group B, with the top 30 from the two groups qualifying for Sunday’s race. For all riders who qualify outside of the top 30, they are granted one final opportunity to line up on the grid with a ‘last chance’ race on Saturday afternoon, and the top six over the line will compete in Sunday’s main race.
Bramich, in Group B didn’t have a smooth start to his race weekend.
“Friday practice didn’t get off to a great start only completing three laps in the first practice due to a technical issue and finishing P20 in the other practices. I really focused on trying to find a group for the 1km back straight, but I just never seemed to get in the right position for a slip stream that is crucial for a good lap time”
Said Bramich.
Come Saturday, Bramich was determined to have a strong qualifying session.
“In qualifying it’s really important to set a good lap time that puts you inside the top 30, as that qualifies you for the main race on Sunday. I was a little bit unlucky in the qualifying, setting sector times that predicted me to go P1 or at least improve my time massively. Unfortunately, I hit traffic at the end of the lap, and I didn’t improve, finishing P14 but missing out by 0.15 to enter the main race directly”
Said Bramich.
Gridding up for the last chance race, the Aussie was ready to battle for his place in Sunday’s race.
“Starting from 3rd on the grid gave me confidence that I could be in the top 6 and progress to the main race. After 11 laps, and intense racing with many passes I finished 5th. Although this is not where I want to be, it gave me lots of experience and I got my first international race out of the way”
Said Bramich.
Despite a strong last chance race, Bramich was unable to carry his pace through to Sunday’s main race, finishing in 24th position.
“I was disappointed with the race on Sunday, I really thought I could make my way through the huge field and fight for a good position in the main group. I lost the slip stream after 4 laps and had to fight for positions around 25th for the remainder of the race. I remain positive and upbeat as there are plenty of positive points to take away from the race”
Said Bramich post-race.
The championship will now move to Assen for Round 2 this weekend, April 12-14 and Tom is ready to bounce back;
“I can’t wait to get back on the bike and improve from last weekend”
Concluded Bramich.
To follow Tom’s European campaign follow him on Facebook or Instagram
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