Rinaldi comes of age in WorldSBK Aragon masterclass

Michael Ruben Rinaldi says he could not find words to describe his maiden trip to the top of the WorldSBK podium as he firmly cemented his status as a front-runner with a marvellous performance at Aragon.

The Italian, competing in his third season of WorldSBK, broke his podium duck in formidable style around the Spanish venue with a crushingly dominant performance in race one, before following it up with two more rostrum visits in the Superpole Race and race two.

Rinaldi’s memorable weekend came off the back of a strong start to the 2020 WorldSBK season on the unfancied Go Eleven Ducati, one that had already yielded six top six results from the opening four events, even if he was yet to have stepped on the podium.

However, by taking the fight to Jonathan Rea, Scott Redding and Chaz Davies, Rinaldi has earmarked himself as hot property on the rider market ahead of 2021.

“This weekend was amazing!  I can’t find words to describe my first Superbike victory! We knew we were strong after yesterday’s practice, but not so strong as to win with a gap. I am really happy both for me and for the team, they deserve it. 
 
“I’m trying to enjoy the moment, I still haven’t quite realized what happened! After a difficult period like last year, being able to win is incredible.
 
“[Then] we took home two more podiums: third in Superpole Race and second after a good battle with Rea in Race 2! I really enjoyed myself, I pushed more than 100%, but today, also due to the different weather conditions, I was unable to replicate what I did yesterday. But a great race, Rea pushed till the end to try to win, and fighting with a five-time World Champion is great. 
 
As well as being a landmark day for Rinaldi, the win is also a first at WorldSBK level for stalwart Italian team Go Eleven, which has competed across the classes for more than a decade, including WorldSBK since 2015.
 
For us, it is a fantastic day,” said team principal Denis Saachetti. “We live our dream. I don’t have words to explain my feelings! Michael is fantastic, he’s really super. The staff worked really well, it’s a fantastic job for everyone. 
 
“Congratulations to all my staff and thanks to Ducati for the fantastic bike we can use. We are really proud to win the race in front of Rea and Chaz.  
 
“We have to continue to work hard and focus to stay in the top five and when it is possible, we will try to get back on the podium. Michael is really fast at the moment so tomorrow we will try to fight at the front for the victory.”