With Cal Crutchlow heading off to the MotoGP next year, he had his mind set on finishing his World Superbike season, and his WSB career, with a race win. Crutchlow got his wish today as he cruised to a dominant finish at Magny Cours.Crutchlow crossed the finish line more than three seconds ahead of his closest competitor, scoring his third win of the World Superbike season, and securing the fifth place spot in the overall standings.
It was the Yamaha Sterligarda rider's 6th start from the pole position this year, but the top spot on the grid didn't give him much of an advantage. Crutchlow dropped down to fourth after the first lap, and it wasn't until lap 8 that he was finally able to regain the lead.
Once Crutchlow regained the lead, it was simply a matter of speed, as he slowly widened the gap between himself and the rest of the pack.
Behind Crutchlow, the battle for second was heating up. Biaggi, Sylvain Guintoli, Michel Fabrizio, Carlos Checa and Leon Haslam were all vying for the remaining spots on the podium.
Guintoli would lose his chance on the podium on lap 14 when it was ruled that his pass for third made him run on at the Nurburging chicane. Guintoli was given a penalty for gaining an advantage, but Guintoli ignored the penalty. Soon, the black flag was out, which Guintoli also ignored.
Guintoli stayed with the top of the pack, eventually finishing fifth. Of course, once the race was over he was removed from the results.
Haslam, Checa, and Biaggi were still in the fight for second in the closing laps. Haslam made a move on the final chicane which pushed Biaggi wide, allowing Checa to take advantage as well.
Haslam would claim second place ahead of Checa, as Biaggi would roll into fourth.
It was still a great day for the recently crowned World Superbike champion. Biaggi's fourth place finish gave Aprilia enough points to claim the manufacturers title.
World Superbike - Magny Cours - Race 1
1 35 Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 38'15.586 (159.101 kph)
2 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 3.779
3 7 Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 4.261
4 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 4.416
5 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 7.476
6 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 11.866
7 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 16.390
8 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX 10R 21.669
9 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 22.065
10 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 22.281
