Resuello enhances bid for Superbikes title

MANILA, Philippines - Raniel Resuello bested a tough field to rule the Pirelli Superbikes Championship Series and firmed up his hold of the solo lead after four legs at the Clark International Speedway in Clark, Pampanga recently.

The Ducati franchise rider came from behind to foil Kawasaki’s Dashi Watanabe’s bid for a third straight win in the event sanctioned by the Superbikes Racing Association (SBRA) and sponsored by Pirelli, FDR and ENEOS with media partners Inside Racing Magazine, Motorsiklo Xklusibo @ dzME 1530.

Watanabe seized control in the early going but Resuello sneaked through with a crucial maneuver to grab the top spot before holding on to emerge champion with a slim 0.112 of a second margin over Watanabe in the abbreviated five-lap race.

The reigning champion actually contested the result but SBRA race officials, led by clerk-of-course Elson Carpio met the two camps to resolve the issue.

SBRA officials have come up with safety measures, particularly on the issue of oil spills. They agreed to immediately stop the race when a rider spots an oil spill.

That’s what Resuello did when he saw an oil spill after passing Marvin Mangulabnan of BMW Racing Team, who figured in an accident in the fourth lap even as Watanabe continued to race in full throttle while thinking he had regained the top spot from Resuello.

Anthony Roman of KTM Philippines Team placed third while Raymond Robertson and Toti Alberto of Team Ducati Philippines ended up fourth and fifth, respectively.

Robertson also copped the Superbikes Masters crown over Toti Alberto and Joey Rivero.