WorldSBK Estoril: Aegerter wins again, Smith second in WorldSSP

Ten Kate Yamaha’s Dominique Aegerter claimed his fifth WorldSSP victory of 2022 in moxed conditions at Estoril on Sunday.

VFT Racing’s Kyle Smith stormed through the pack from 17th on the grid to the runner’s up position with Lorenzo Baldassarri completing the Yamaha podium lockout on the Evan Bros. machine.

The Supersport World Championship race saw reigning champion Aegerter in control as the race one winner headed the grid for the 18 lap contest. Niki Tuuli and Andy Verdoia both missing from the action due to injuries sustained in morning warm up in the wet conditions.

Lights out and drops of rain began to make their presence felt. Ducati’s Nicolo Bulega capturing the holeshot with Baldassarri muscling through on Aegerter and Can Öncü through the opening corner with the Puccetti Kawasaki taking third. Stefano Manzi promoted the Dynavolt Triumph into fifth before Federico Caricasulo dispatched his fellow Italian with the Althea Ducati.

Baldassarri hit the front as lap two fired up and the Yamaha took charge, Öncü finding his own way through on the former Moto2 rider shortly after with Caricasulo up to fourth on the reigning champion. Further back Yari Montella made moves on the Triumph before Manzi’s disappointing weekend came to an early conclusion with a crash as the rain flags flew. Jules Cluzel returning with a technical as Filippo Fuligni and Sander Kroeze crashed out in tandem at turn one.

Öncü took charge on lap four as Aegerter dropped to sixth, Caricasulo running second and at the head of a quartet of Italians with Bulega, Baldassarri and Montella in check. Glenn van Straalen sat seventh on the EAB Yamaha with Adrian Huertas quickly on his wheels before the Kawasaki attempted to take a look. Ondrej Vostatek,