Mahias in the Mood for Donington Park

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The GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team are determined to hit the ground running at Donington Park for Round 6 of the 2018 FIM Supersport World Championship this weekend. Reigning WorldSSP Champion, Lucas Mahias, is aiming to fight back and return to the podium after missing out on the rostrum at the last three rounds and relinquishing his championship lead.

Imola saw Mahias lose his lead in the overall standings for the first time in 2018 after he crashed out of the lead during the race, although he bravely remounted and charged his way through the field to cross the line in eighth and limit the damage to his championship defence. The 29-year-old French rider is now second overall with 79 points, just two points behind leader Randy Krummenacher despite not having stood on the podium since Thailand, and Mahias is determined to fight back at Donington Park. Last season, Mahias claimed second in the UK after battling for the race win throughout and having rediscovered the feeling with his GRT Yamaha R6 at Imola, his plan is to fight for the win to retake the lead in the overall standings.

Located near Castle Donington in Leicestershire, Donington Park hosted its first motorcycle race in 1931. Requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence in 1939 at the start of the Second World War, it reopened its doors to racing in 1973. The 4,023km circuit has 12 corners in total, seven right-handed and five left-handed, plus a start/finish straight of 550m in length, and is known for its fast-flowing corners, dramatic elevation changes and its two hairpins.

The GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team takes to the track for FP1 on Friday at 10:40 am local time (GMT) in the UK, with qualifying scheduled for 2:15 pm on Saturday and Sunday's race due to start at 11:30 am.

Lucas Mahias

GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team - 2nd - 79 points

"I am really happy to be getting back on my R6 for Donington! I had a really good feeling in Imola before and after my little crash during the race, so I am looking forward to riding again. The championship is now very close with the top four riders within six points of each other but it feels way too long since I have been on the podium. Now it is time to finish the mistakes and start our fight back in the championship!"

Filippo Conti

GRT Yamaha Offical WorldSSP Team Manager

"We are looking forward to Donington! It will be another really important race and we are getting to the stage where every race is crucial in such a close-fought championship. Lucas may not have had the best result in the race in Imola, but he has got the feeling back with his R6 that he likes and when he is relaxed, he is very quick. He has his confidence back and will be trying to get the best possible result in the UK to retake the championship lead.”