Top ten finish and WorldSSP race leader – Luke Power shows pace in #DutchWorldSBK

 In News

Luke Power leaves the Dutch round of the 2024 FIM Supersport World Championship as a top ten finisher after leading Saturday’s opening eighteen lap encounter, only missing a potential maiden podium in the closing stages.

The Aussie teenager had performed well throughout Free Practice, qualifying twelfth on Friday before romping into the lead on the opening lap of Race 1 much to the delight of his Motozoo ME AIR MV Agusta. squad. With mixed track conditions catching out many of his more experienced rivals Luke rode superbly retaking the lead several times before dropping to tenth at the flag after being pushed wide by those who gambled with an alternate tyre choice. Nevertheless, the result proved Luke’s ability and gave the #68 a huge confidence boost ahead of Sunday’s second race.

Sunday saw Luke start the race from P16 before, as he had twenty-four hours earlier, he charged into podium contention. Running second on track as the rain began to fall, he was the unlucky victim of a crash on slick tyres that put paid to what could have been another exceptional result. Despite the race two DNF morale within the team is high and Luke heads to Motozoo’s home race in Italy second overall in the WorldSSP Challenge.

Luke Power

“I am really happy with the weekend. It was probably my best weekend in the world championship, all things considered. Friday qualifying went well, and I achieved my best grid position in P12. I wanted to work on a better result in qualifying which I did. I took a gamble with tyres for Saturday’s first race and the race was super positive. The decision we made was the right one as we were able to show our potential by leading my first world supersport race for five laps. It feels a bit surreal having battled for the podium for ninety five percent of the race and although the last two laps didn’t go our way it’s my best result and I finished inside the top ten in only my second event riding an MV Agusta. Sunday was a bit of a lottery with rain falling as we finished the warm up lap. The team and I spoke pre-race and decided to start on slicks. To be in the battle for the lead again was incredible but unfortunately, I was pushed wide by a rider on wets which resulted in me crashing. It’s one of those things but I am really happy with what me and the team have shown. I have learned a lot, and I am confident that what we showed is only the beginning. A massive thank you to my entire team, my sponsors, family, and manager and to all the fans who came to the track despite the freezing conditions and the rain. See you all in Italy!”

0