SBK - Superbike World Championship

07/29/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/29/2021 01:51

Buis back on the podium: 'I did everything I could to win in Race 2!'

Title holder Jeffrey Buis claimed his first podium of the 2021 campaign in front of his home fans and narrowly missed out on a second podium in Race 2

Reigning Champion Jeffrey Buis (MTM Kawasaki) has endured a difficult title defence in the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship so far in 2021, claiming a best result of sixth place before his home Prosecco DOC Dutch Round which came at the season-opening Aragon Round in Race 1.

In front of his passionate Dutch fans, Buis was able to return to the rostrum for the first time since Magny-Cours in October 2020 with third place in Race 1 and followed this up with fourth in Race 2. It meant the Meppel-born rider more than doubled his point count for the season, rising from 23 points to 52, tied with teammate Yuta Okaya. Adrian Huertas, also one of Buis' teammates, leads the standings ahead of Tom Booth-Amos (Fusport - RT Motorsports by SKM - Kawasaki).

Buis had crossed the line in Race 2 in the podium positions as he looked to kickstart his Championship campaign in front of his home fans but was demoted two places after being deemed to have committed two track limits infringements on the final lap of the 14-lap encounter on two occasions.

Reigning Champion Buis looked back on his weekend, saying: 'From the first practice, the speed was good. I was able to get consistently good lap times and with the second-fastest time in Superpole, we were in a good starting position for the races. It was a great race in front of the home crowd. I was in the lead a lot in both races. I was very happy with my first podium of the season, but there was more to it than that. I did everything I could to win in Race 2, but I got pushed onto the green a couple of times on the last lap. I was penalised for this and unfortunately no second podium. I am happy with my races, but certainly not with the result in Race 2.'

Will this kickstart Buis' title defence? Watch the rest of the 2021 campaign using the WorldSBK VideoPass!