Oettl reveals Race 2 issue at Assen after claiming another WorldSSP podium

German rider Philipp Oettl (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) added two more podiums to his FIM Supersport World Championship tally over the Prosecco DOC Dutch Round as he finished third in Race 1 and second in Race 2 at the iconic TT Circuit Assen, bringing his podium total to nine in his career and five in the 2021 campaign.

Oettl made his WorldSSP debut in 2020 and was immediately on the pace and has continued that up through 2021 with five podiums in the eight races run so far this season although the elusive first win still alludes him. Throughout the first half of both races, where Oettl opted for Pirelli's SCX tyre, he was able to keep pace with double winner Dominique Aegerter (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha), although the Swiss rider was able to pull away in the second half of both races. Oettl came home in second place in Race 2 and third in Race 1, just behind South African Steven Odendaal (Evan Bros. Yamaha WorldSSP Team).

Looking back on Race 2, where he tried to follow Aegerter but lost a lot of ground in the second half of the race, Oettl said: 'I had a great start and then, surprisingly, I led the race for another two or three laps. I was happy Domi passed me because I knew he was faster. I chose the SCX tyre because I felt a little bit more confident especially at the beginning of the race. After 10, 12 laps the tyre was completely destroyed and started to turn on the rim. The tyre was out of weight, so I had a lot of vibrations especially from the rear transferring to the front. I'm really happy with this weekend, with both of the races. The team did a fantastic job.'

Five podiums out of eight shows a remarkable level of consistency from German rider Oettl, and he has also claimed seven top-six finishes as he looks to try and put pressure on the riders in front of him in the Championship standings. Although he is still waiting for his first WorldSSP victory, Oettl will be hoping, and thinking, it is getting closer after fighting at the front yet again.

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