CHARPENTIER IS WORLD SUPERSPORT CHAMPION AT ASSEN
04 September 2005 - Honda Racing

Second place at Assen this afternoon for Winston Ten Kate Honda rider, Sébastien Charpentier, was enough for him to secure his first and his team’s fourth World Supersport championship title.

The French rider finished second in the 16-lap race behind fellow countryman and Honda rider, Fabien Foret, with Michel Fabrizio third.

Charpentier’s championship victory represents the first time that the World Supersport title has been won with three rounds to go. His team-mate, Katsuaki Fujiwara, had to beat Charpentier to keep his own title hopes alive but finished the race in fifth place.

Ronald ten Kate – team manager:

“Our thirteenth consecutive World Supersport win was not so unlucky today! We’re normally renowned for keeping our feet firmly on the ground but I can tell you that today we are on cloud nine. It was a fantastic race in itself that resulted in our fourth consecutive championship title. It would have been good if Kats could have joined Sébastien on the podium but he had a couple of problems. At least he is still in second place in the championship and we’ll be doing all we can to make it a one-two before the season is over.”

Sébastien Charpentier – second place and 2005 World Supersport Champion

“I have to admit I was a little bit nervous for the race and it has been a tough weekend. I had a little problem with my quick shifter today so I was unable to get away at the front. It was such a hard race with Fabien (Foret) who rode very well for his victory but I eased off on the final lap just to make sure that I could take the title here at the team’s home race. It’s been difficult for me at various stages of my career but with the help of Cathy and my family I am finally world champion. I have also been fortunate to be on the best bike with the best team this season and I hope I can work with Ten Kate for a long time to come. I don’t think I can quite believe it at the moment but it is fantastic to win the title in front of the team’s home crowd and all the guests they have here today.”

Katsuaki Fujiwara – fifth

“I had a pretty good start and I was able to go with Sébastien in the early stages. I felt strong and confident but I made a couple of mistakes in the race. The first time I outbraked myself and then selected neutral and nearly crashed. When I got myself back together, the front guys were difficult to catch. It would have been nice to join Sébastien’s celebrations on the podium but he has ridden so well all season so congratulations to him. Now I have three races to make sure that we make it a Ten Kate one-two again so I will be trying hard at Lausitzring next weekend.”

World Supersport, Assen – results (16 laps, 95.952km):

1 Fabien Foret FRA (Honda) 34m37.800s,
2 Sébastien Charpentier FRA (Winston Ten Kate Honda) +0.258,
3 Michel Fabrizio ITA (Honda) +1.109, 4 Kevin Curtain AUS (Yamaha) +1.380,
5 Katsuaki Fujiwara JPN (Winston Ten Kate Honda) +5.490,
6 Robbin Harms DEN (Honda) +10.430,
7 Broc Parkes AUS (Yamaha) +16.765,
8 Stephane Chambon FRA (Honda) +25.592,
9 Tauto Lauslehto FIN (Honda) +25.648,
10 Javier Fores ESP (Suzuki) +25.656.

Championship points after nine of 12 rounds:

Charpentier 210,
Fujiwara 127,
Curtain 122,
Foret 110,
Fabrizio 98,
Chambon 76,
Parkes 69,
Fores 58,
Gianluca Nannelli ITA (Ducati) 56,
Lauslehto 49.

Next round: Lausitzring, Germany – 11 September

www.honda-racing.co.uk

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