Gino said: “In hospital on Tuesday after my foot operation I was not expecting to get on the podium in the first race. I knew we had the potential though.

“I managed my tyre at the beginning, maybe too much as I had pace left at the end. Once the tyre dropped off I tried for the podium. Racing with Kyle it was not easy but it was a good race.

 

“After a few difficult seasons, it is great to be where I think I deserve to be. The CIA Landlords Insurance Honda package is great and hopefully we can start winning races soon. Friday was my first real test on the bike and we did not get too excited. We have got a good bike and thanks to everyone in the team for getting me on the podium.”

 

Martin Cardenas and Riccardo Russo both pulled out with tyre problems while in strong points scoring positions. Kieran Clarke finished his first competitive race in three years.

The second round of the World Supersport Championship is at the Chang circuit in Thailand on 22ndMarch.

 

CIA Landlords Insurance Honda Team Manager Simon Buckmaster said: “That was a brilliant race by Gino considering he had a screw taken out of his right foot on Tuesday and is not 100 per cent fit. I think the whole CIA Landlords Insurance Honda team did a great job and it gives us great confidence for the next round in Thailand.

 

“Martin and Ricky both had to pull in because of tyre problems. It is a shame as they were both on for good points scoring finishes.

“It was good for Kieran to get a long race under his belt on his comeback to competition. He will go from strength to strength from here."

 

Race Result 

1: J Cluzel, MV Agusta 

2: L Zanetti, MV Agusta +3.494

3: G REA, CIA LANDLORDS INSURANCE HONDA +8.636

4: K Smith, Honda +8.668

5: R Wilairot, Honda +10.613

6: K Sofuoglu, Kawasaki +18.608

18: K CLARKE, CIA LANDLORDS INSURANCE HONDA +1:07.976

 

Championship Positions after Round 1

1: Cluzel 25

2: Zanetti 20

3: REA, CIA LANDLORDS INSURANCE HONDA 16

4: Smith 13

5: Wilairot 11

6: Sofuoglu 10.