Marc Garcia (Halcourier Racing) has marked his name in the history books as he has become the very first FIM Supersport 300 World Champion, taking fourth postion in a tense battle around his home circuit of Circuito de Jerez.
At only 17 years old, the Spanish rider has dreamt of being crowned a world champion his whole life, and following the introduction of the WorldSSP300 series for 2017 his dream has become a reality following a stunning season of racing action. Fighting tooth and nail each round for the victory, Garcia proved his determination once more to take the title here in Spain.
Graduating from the Red Bull Rookie’s Cup in 2016, the Yamaha rider spent three seasons in the feeder class and was able to learn many valuable lessons over these seasons. In a cup in which it is hard to stand out, he ended his first season in the top ten of the standings- finishing and scoring points in every race. 2015 led to his first victory around MotorLand Aragon, as he continued his consistency for the season, ending in the top four. Fourth again in 2016 saw him take the double victory in Brno, as well as one around the Red Bull Ring in Austria, and it was now time to move on.
Joining the Halcourier Racing squad as a One Event rider, Garcia has raced in every round of the WorldSSP300 season, but got off to a steady start as he was unable to finish his debut race around MotorLand Aragon, as he was forced to retire with a technical problem. Ready to fight back in round two at TT Circuit Assen, he was still finding his feet and took a top six finish as he was just behind the manic leading group.
Marc Garcia (Halcourier Racing):
“I am so happy to take this title and thank you to all my team, its unbelievable. I have no words to describe this feeling, I have been working so hard to achieve this for so long so I want to thank my family and my friends.”
WorldSSP300 Race at Jerez
1. Galang Hendra Yamaha
2. Scott Deroue Kawasaki +0.026
3. Alfonso Coppola Yamaha +0.038
WorldSSP300 Championship Standings Pirelli Spanish Round
1. Marc Garcia (ESP) Yamaha (139 points)
2. Alfonso Coppola (ITA) Yamaha (138 points)
3. Scott Deroue (NED) Kawaski (111 points)
Credits : Photos and content courtesy of Dorna WSBK Organization Srl