Buis wins the first race in Aragon, as Carrasco takes the lead for the title.

Drama began before the race even began for the 300 class, as the likes of Orradre faced the back of the grid due to a tyre-pressure infringement, and original front-row runner Meuffels was excluded from the race entirely, due to a technical infringement.  2018 champion Ana Carrasco and regular podium-setter Tom Booth-Amos began in 11^th and 12^th respectively, as other riders faced grid penalties also. The front row consisted of poleman Buis, as well as the Kawakami brothers – Eliton and Meikon.

Jeffrey Buis continued his weekend charge in Race 1 after ruling over every session and taking pole, Buis made easy work of the Motorland Aragon Circuit this afternoon, leading the pack from Turn 1 and effortlessly establishing a lead within the opening lap.

As the Dutch rider split off from the rest, the real action proved to be within the remaining top 10, as each rider battled for second position. Carrasco and Booth-Amos quicky made their way into the pack, amongst the likes of championship leader Scott Deroue, with Booth-Amos setting a New Lap Record of 2:07.375 by lap 3.

Buis continued to gradually extend his lead over second place, adding an average of a second to the gap with each lap. Meanwhile, the battle for second continued throughout the race as the top 10 remained restless. Original P2 starter Eliton Kawakami unfortunately crashed out in Lap 2.

In the penultimate lap, a 4-way group managed to break away for the second-place battle, with the group consisting of big names Carrasco, Perez, Deroue and De Cancelis. However, with the constant switching between the four, it wasn’t long before the two groups rejoined; with Deroue desperate to defend his title lead, and Carrasco desperate to take it from him, it made for a heated final lap. On Turn 12, an exchange with De Cancelis resulted in Deroue going wide, however, and the loss of grip subsequently resulted in a crash for the Dutchman.

Buis crossed the line with an astounding 6.8 second lead from Ana Carrasco, followed closely by Mika Perez. De Cancelis and Booth-Amos rounded out the top 5.

Sofuoglu set the New Lap Record, for the 300 class, of 2:06.942, before crashing out of the race.

Heading into tomorrow’s race, Carrasco now leads the championship with a 7-point gap ahead of Deroue; Unai Orradre currently sits in third position, after making up 30 positions to finish 6^th in today’s race.

Race 2 will begin at 3:15pm Local Time tomorrow.

Feature Photo: MTM Kawasaki MotoPort