Rinaldi takes the fourth place in race 2 at Jerez

 Barni Racing Team celebrates the 50th birthday of Team Principal Marco Barnabò with a splendid fourth place: best result of the season for the team and the best career result for Michael Rinaldi in Superbike. After a Saturday where he got the Top 10 in race 1 and a Superpole Race that saw him only eleventh, the number 21 was the protagonist of a race 2 ended very close to the podium.

Superpole Race

Started from the third row in ninth place due to the penalty assigned to Rea, Rinaldi was passed by three riders at the first turn than he tried to follow the official Ducati Rider Chaz Davies all race long. Lapping between 1’40.8 e 1’40.4 Rinaldi stayed constantly in twelfth place gaining one more position when Lowes crashes out, but missing the point zone.

Race 2

By this result of Superpole Race Rinaldi was in the eleventh spot in race 2 starting grid. Got of well at the green light the Barni Racing Team rider started his comeback on lap 3 overtaking Torres first and then Cortese. Bautista, Melandri and Davies crashed out in front of him so the number 21 found itself sixth.

Fighting for the fourth position in a packed group of five riders, at the half of the race Rinaldi moved Sykes behind him and then Haslam too seven laps to go. With a final effort, having to beat even the heat, he defended the position up to the red flag for the crash of Kiyonari who decreed the end of the race with a lap to go. Thanks to this result, the flagbearer of the team from Bergamo got 13 points which, added to the 6 conquered on Saturday, placed him in twelfth position in the Championship, with 63 points.

The next WorldSBK round is set to be held in two weeks at the Misano Adriatico circuit where the Barni Racing Team will line up two riders. Michele Pirro will race as a wild card alongside Rinaldi.

Marco Barnabò - Team Principal

"I'm very satisfied with today's result because it reflects the hard work we have done so far. I'm not saying that we can now lay down, the work to have been done is not lacking. We toke the right path, but we want to be at this level of competitiveness all the races. We must work with our heads down to better prepare the weekend in Misano".

Michael Ruben Rinaldi #21

"It was a tough race due to the condition of the track which was very slippery, many riders slice down and me too toke risks. Nerverthless it was very important to get a positive result. From Friday we knew we had a good package, but on Saturday we had a problem that prevented me from riding as I wanted. On the other hand in race 2 everything worked well and I'm glad I was able to give Marco Barnabò a nice present for his birthday. He deserves it, as the whole team deserves a big thanks".