Kyle Smith took an emphatic and impressive maiden World Supersport win in this evening’s final race of the 2015 season at Losail in Qatar, beating world champion Kenan Sofuoglu and Lorenzo Zanetti to the top step of the podium.
Starting from fifth on the grid for the 15 lap race around the 5.380km Losail circuit, Smith spent the early laps battling with fellow Honda rider Patrick Jacobsen. He passed the American on lap six and Lucas Mahias a lap later before hunting down Sofuoglu and Zanetti at the front.
Smith, 24, took the lead on lap nine and was able to eke out a slender lead before a much anticipated Sofuoglu fightback in the closing stages. However, the British rider was able to keep the Turk at bay and retain his lead, eventually crossing the line one second ahead of the four-time world champion.
Kyle Smith - 1st
I had no idea I might win tonight – Kenan [Sofuoglu] had such fast pace yesterday in qualifying. I thought I could run for the podium positions but I didn’t think I could beat Kenan. A few laps in I felt really comfortable with the CBR and felt like I had the pace so I just pushed all the way to the end. I felt good in the early laps but struggled to get past PJ [Jacobsen]. We made a big change for this race – something we haven’t tried all season – but it definitely made a big improvement. I knew Kenan was behind me for the last couple of laps, and he’s not a good man to have behind you! But I just kept my head down and tried to make no mistakes and came home with a victory and I’m just so happy. I want to thank all the guys at Ten Kate and Honda and I hope to be up here again next season.
Pieter Breddels - technical co-ordinator
That was a very surprising race and Kyle was immediately up to speed and passing one guy after another, eventually taking the lead. He never gave it away and won his first World Supersport race! It was an amazing way to end the season because honestly in practice it didn’t look like Kyle could challenge for the win. We thought that a podium position was possible but this race just shows his talent and the potential of the CBR and we are all really, really happy.
