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Roberts was strong throughout the weekend and eventually qualified the GSXR-1000 on the front row of the grid in third position. The race was delayed due to horrendous wet weather conditions and an oil spillage on the Circuit, the World Superbike riders were sent out first due to TV commitments. Roberts was stunningly fast in morning warm up in the rain and was a second faster than his nearest rivals.

A positive start saw him leap to second place by the first corner. A battled ensured between himself and third place-man, Alessandro Polita. The Italian rider forced his way through to second place on the second lap and held off Roberts’ strong efforts to make a pass on him until lap seven.

The young Australian made a tidy pass on the Suzuki rider and was on a mission to hunt down race leader Claudio Corti for the lead. Roberts made up almost a second in one lap and was soon battling with Corti for the eventual race win. Setting four fastest laps in the closing stages Roberts made a confident pass on the Yamaha rider on lap ten and was eager to bridge a gap.

Roberts was running smooth and confident and a small mistake on the last corner of the last lap saw him run into the gravel trap. Allowing Corti through and to go on and win the race. Roberts stayed on and managed to still gain second place, a disappointment for the youngster but still a very creditable result.

Commenting he said “I nearly had him, next week I’ll be going out for one better! The race was really hard right from the start. I had to battle past Polita who didn’t want to let me go, but once I had clear track in front of me I knew I could chase down Corti. It was a small error on my part that cost me the win, I went into second gear as I held a tight line entering the last corner and the wheel locked up and straight ahead I went.”

Roberts is now lying in 9th place in the Overall Championship standings after only competing in three rounds of the series, a fantastic performance. Roberts will contest the three remaining rounds of the series at Germany, Imola and Magny Cours.

Roberts will be riding next weekend at the Lausitz Ring, Germany next weekend, 8th - 10th September in the European Superstock Championships.

European Superstock Race Result - Assen

C Corti Yamaha
B Roberts HP Racing Suzuki
A Polita Suzuki
M Baiocco Yamaha
L Scassa MV Agusta

Overall Championship Points