Portuguese rider Ivo Lopes secured an exciting victory in the second ESBK race in Valencia after a frustrating first race.
First Race: Lopes had a tough start to the season, with initial setbacks in Jerez and ongoing challenges in Valencia. On Thursday, the team focused on working with the bike’s electronics to establish a solid foundation for improvements. However, the rain on Friday hindered progress. Despite this, qualifying saw Lopes achieve a positive P4, just 0.02s off the pole position. Confident in his race pace, Lopes started strong, moving from 13th to 4th, but a mechanical issue forced him to retire from the race with eight laps remaining.
Lopes’ reflections on the First Race: “This season has been challenging, not what we expected. After the setbacks in Jerez, Valencia was not any kinder. We focused on the electronics to create a comfortable setup, but the rain on Friday hindered our progress. Qualifying brought some hope with a strong P4. Despite a good start, maintaining the pace was difficult due to tire wear and a mechanical issue.”
Second Race: Starting from P11 due to the previous DNF, Lopes executed a masterful race. Managed tire wear effectively and strategically moved through the pack, taking the lead and securing the victory. His determination and the team’s tireless efforts paid off, demonstrating his resilience and skill.
Lopes’s statements about the Second Race: “Today, everything went perfectly. Starting from the fourth row is always challenging, but I was able to confirm our competitiveness. I felt great comfort on the bike, and the hard work of the team paid off. This victory is a testament to never giving up. Special thanks to Eduardo, our team leader, and everyone who supports us. When bad luck strikes, we respond with more hard work. This victory is the result of a positive team spirit and excellent physical preparation.”
Looking to the Future: With the focus now on the next round in Estoril, Lopes and his team are motivated and ready to continue their quest for success. Lopes expressed his gratitude for the team’s efforts and the importance of maintaining focus and determination.
Lopes’s Final Thoughts: “Our focus is already on the next round in Estoril. We hope to have strong support from our fans. Today’s race was about managing tires, staying focused, and dealing with tough competition. We are in great physical shape and ready for the challenges ahead.”
