WSS: HANNspree Valencia weekend summary

FRUSTRATION AT VALENCIA

The third round of the World Supersport Championship at Valencia was a frustrating event for HANNspree-supported riders after the second round podium clean sweep at Phillip Island. Gianluca Nannelli was the highest finishing HANNspree rider in fifth place, while HANNspree Ten Kate Honda's Jonathan Rea was the second highest finishing HANNspree rider in sixth.

Australian Andrew Pitt looked set to repeat his success at round two at Phillip Island with the pole position for today's Supersport race. However, the HANNspree Ten Kate Honda rider lost the front end of his CBR600RR and was forced into the gravel. Pitt therefore had to settle for 19th position at the chequered flag, and wasn't able to improve his championship position.

Meanwhile, despite sustaining a severely bruised shoulder after a heavy practice day crash, HANNspree Honda Althea's Nannelli rode consistently to score a top five finish. He was followed closely by determined Ulsterman Rea, who after a successful campaign in the 2007 British Superbike Championship, is looking to make his mark on the world stage.

HANNspree Stiggy Motorsport's Josh Brookes suffered technical problems during the opening laps and was unable to complete race distance. His team-mate Robbin Harms was also forced to retire from the race when he crashed out of contention at half race distance.

-credit: hannspree