SISSIS SCOOPS ANOTHER WIN AT MUGELLO

Sissis emerged on top of a leader group of six riders in the final stages of the 13-lap race to hold off Czech Tomas Vavrous and Spaniard Aaron Espana who took the minor places. The teenage riders all compete on identical KTM 125 RR racing machines and once again had to adjust to riding on a partly damp track to add another dimension to the challenge. The last four races at Silverstone and Assen were also wet weather races.

It might have been hard on the tires but this did not stop Sissis having fun in the race. “The tires were pretty destroyed and the bike was sliding around a lot but that was the same for everyone,” the 16-year-old Australian said. “I had tried to get away at the start but the others came with me and we had a great race. My bike was running so well and I enjoyed it, it was one of the best races we have had. The most important thing for me was finishing in front of Lorenzo, that's what I had to do.”

Baldassarri started back in the fourth row of the grid and did well to work his way up to the leading pack.  He, Vavrous and Espana then just stuck on Sissis and refused to let him open up a gap as the three riders put in impressive performances. Also in top form today was German racer Florian Alt who charged through the pack bringing Spaniard Xavi Pinsach in his slipstream. It was these riders, together with Germany’s Philipp Oettl, who formed the leading pack and battled out the race.

Baldassarri now trails Sissis by 17 points but there are 5 races remaining in the Cup. Rookies re-convene at the Sachsenring in Germany for two races in a fortnight’s time.

Red Bull Rookies Round 9 at Mugello, Italy
All riders on KTM 125 RR machines

1, Arthur Sissis, Australia
2, Tomas Vavrous, Czech Republic
3, Aaron Espana, Spain
4, Lorenzo Baldissarri, Italy
5, Philipp Oettl, Germany
6, Florian Alt, Germany

Standings after Round 9
1, Sissis, 166 points
2, Baldassarri, 149
3, Alan Techer, France, 89
4, Lukas Trautmann, Austria 78
5, Oettl, 67