WorldSBK Championship: News, Results & Schedule
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Can Deniz Öncü Overcome the Odds in the WorldSBK Championship?
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Turkish rider Deniz Öncü faces a challenging final round in Estoril as he battles Italian Stefano Manzi for the WorldSBK championship title. A recent victory at Aragon has narrowed the gap, but Öncü needs both speed and a bit of luck to secure the crown.
Updated October 2, 2024, at 14:47 UTC
The Championship Standings and the Road to Estoril
the 2024 WorldSBK championship is heading for a dramatic conclusion at the Estoril circuit in Portugal, October 10-13. Deniz Öncü, riding for Kawasaki Puccetti Racing, is currently trailing Stefano Manzi in the standings. While Öncü secured a crucial victory in Race 2 at Aragon, closing the points gap to 11, he still needs Manzi to falter to have a realistic chance at the title.
Öncü’s win at aragon was hard-fought. He strategically used the slipstream (rebu) on the back straight and executed a decisive overtake in the final corner of Race 2, demonstrating his aggressive riding style and tactical awareness. He has finished on the podium twice this season, including one third-place finish.
Aragon Results: A Turning Point?
the Aragon round marked the first time Öncü outperformed Manzi in points since Donington. However, the 11-point reduction is not enough to overtake Manzi. Öncü must consistently finish ahead of Manzi in Estoril, and rely on Manzi experiencing difficulties.
Öncü’s Strategy: A Fresh Start in Estoril
Öncü is approaching the Estoril round with a resolute mindset. He aims to put past experiences at the Portuguese circuit behind him, viewing it as a “fresh start.” This psychological approach could be crucial in managing pressure and maximizing performance.
“In race 2, two laps from the end, Manzi has attacked, he has recovered the first position, but then I have decided that he would give everything in the back straight and the last curve. I have used the rebu and I have managed to keep him behind in the last curve, which is always complex, so I am happy that in the end I have been able to win,” Öncü stated after his Aragon victory. He acknowledges the difficulty of overtaking in the final corner and his satisfaction with executing the maneuver successfully.
Estoril Circuit: A Challenging Venue
The Estoril circuit is known for its challenging layout and demanding