Monza serves up another EJC thriller The third round of the 2013 Pata European Junior Cup powered by Honda Racing took place at the historic Autodromo Nationale di Monza in Italy on Sunday with French youngster Robin Anne emerging as the winner. It was another thrilling encounter as Anne snatched victory out of the final Parabolica corner by a margin of just 0.011s from Switzerland’s Adrian Pittet, with Kiwi and first round winner Jake Lewis finishing third. The top eight finishers were covered by less than 0.7s despite a number of riders falling at Monza’s infamous Prima Variante on the opening lap. This followed a jump start by three competitors, including pole sitter Guillaume Raymond, who eventually finished in 26th following his ride-through penalty. Local rider Kevin Manfredi was in the leading group throughout and led across the Monza finish line three times over the seven-lap race, but crashed out on the final lap leaving his rivals to battle it out for the flag. Fourth place went to Australian Zac Levy, who claimed his best result of the season. Michael Canducci from Italy was fifth, retaining his championship lead, and British rider James Flitcroft an impressive sixth. 2013 Pata European Junior Cup powered by Honda Racing Round three – Monza, Italy Result: 1 Robin Anne (FRA) 2 Adrien Pittet (SUI) 3 Jake Lewis (NZL) 4 Zac Levy (AUS 5 Michael Canducci (ITA) 6 James Flitcroft (GBR) 7 Lorenzo Garifoli (ITA) 8 Josh Harland (GBR) 9 Andrea Zanella (ITA) 10 Ali Adriansyah Rusmiputro (INA) Championship Standings after three of eight rounds: 1 Canducci 43, 2 Lewis 41, 3 Anne 38, 4 Pittet 29, 5 Bendsneijder 25, 6 Sebastyen 25. Next round: Imola, Italy – 30 June More, from a press release issued by Kawasaki: Ninja ZX-10R first and second in Monza Superstock 1000 race Newsflash, 14 May 2013 After a fast and highly competitive race shortened to just seven laps at Monza, the first two riders across the line were Kawasaki mounted. For victor, Lorenzo Savadori, and his Pedercini team, the win marked a stepping stone for the rest of the season and a justifiable reason to celebrate a worthy success for the 20 year old rider. Despite his youthful appearance, the Cesena resident fought hard for his highly deserved win ahead of the next seven riders across the line that were separated by just two seconds at race end. Speaking about his achievement, the Italian rider was obviously delighted to top the podium at one of the two WSBK events held in Italy during the 2013 season. “I like the Monza track” said Savadori. “I train hard with motocross and supermotard and have a strong fitness regime. Of course for myself and the team I hope that this is just the first of many wins.” Just 0.402 of a second behind Savadori in runner-up spot was French MRS Kawasaki rider, Jeremy Guarnoni who made good on a starting grid sixth place to take his best result of the season so far. Stressing the need for power and reliability at the superfast Monza circuit, Guarnoni praised his team’s determination to overcome machine set-up issues in qualifying and provide a podium-worthy machine for him to compete on. “This is my first podium of the season and it is an important result”, said Guarnoni. “I think this will be a turning point. I only qualified sixth but I spent most of the race in the company of the Championship leaders. Getting back on the podium at Monza makes me gain confidence and think again about chasing the 2013 Superstock 1000 title”. For Kawasaki’s European Race Planning Manager, the top two podium placings were reason enough to celebrate. Added to that, Steve Guttridge, pointed out that the Ninja ZX-10R was rapidly becoming the machine of choice in the racing class that most obviously mirrors the machines that fans can see and buy in their local showroom. “With no less than eleven Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R machines in the top twenty and an impressive six of those in the top ten, today showed just how competitive the Kawasaki is and what an awesome package it can be for a road rider. Savadori and the Pedercini Team are understandably delighted and we thank them for all their hard work. Likewise, it has been an amazing day for Guarnoni and the MRS Kawasaki team who have worked so hard for their podium place. Our hope of course is to see these and other Ninja ZX-10R riders compete for the top spot in the Championship at year end.”