Caricasulo wins after late puncture, red flag denies Mahias

Full World Supersport race results from Portimao

Federico Caricasulo claims a shock World Supersport victory at Portimao after seeing GRT Yamaha team-mate Lucas Mahias denied twice by a puncture and a red flag in a frantic race.

The race started in dramatic circumstances with Mahias and Jules Cluzel trading passes for the lead before the NRT Yamaha rider was accidently taken down by World Supersport championship leader Sandro Cortese as he low-sided off at Turn 5 on the second lap.

That released both GRT Yamaha riders into the lead with Mahias ahead of Caricasulo with the French rider largely setting the pace until disaster struck on lap 16.

Coming across the start-finish straight, Mahias picked up a cruel puncture which initially saw him drop out of contention.

But seconds later Rob Hartog and Borja Quero Martinez tangled further back at Turn 11 which triggered a red flag stoppage and with two-thirds race distance already completed the result was drawn up including Mahias.

However, according to World Supersport rules all riders must return to the pits within five minutes of the red flag to be officially classified, which Mahias was unable to do due to his puncture happening at the start of the lap, meaning he was not classified despite completing all 16 laps in the final results.

That promoted Caricasulo into the victory in Portgual ahead of Kyle Smith on the CIA Landlords Insurance Honda with Raffaelle De Rosa taking a promoted podium finish.

Randy Krummenacher kept his title fight alive in fourth place for Bardahl Evan Bros Yamaha with Sandro Cortese recovering from his lap two off to take fifth place.

Hannes Soomer impressed to take sixth place on the Racedays Honda ahead of Ayrton Badovini (MV Agusta) and Thomas Gradinger (NRT Yamaha).

Puccetti Kawasaki duo followed with Hikari Okubo edging his new team-mate Hector Barbera who clinched 10^th place on his series debut.

Luke Stapleford claimed 11^th for Profile Racing Yamaha ahead of wildcard Miguel Pons with Jaimie van Sikkelerus, Christian Stange, and Sam Hornsey rounded out the points places.