An 18th profession WorldSBK podium for Andrea Locatelli has left the Yamaha rider contemplating his possibilities at victory.
The Italian was Yamaha’s greatest rider within the season-opening Australian Spherical again in February, however the Ducati domination of that weekend meant he was nowhere close to the rostrum.
In Race 1 on the second World Superbike spherical of the season in Portimao, Locatelli was capable of climb onto the podium for the primary time in 2025, holding off Barni Ducati’s Danilo Petrucci.
It was a end result that Locatelli stated he needs to be “pleased with”, having not been on the rostrum for the reason that Superpole Race at Phillip Island final yr, even when he was seven seconds off the win.
“I’ve to be completely happy as a result of we’ve been working this weekend,” Locatelli stated.
“The bottom setup of the bike is sweet. I’m struggling a bit with the entrance, so we have to maintain working to enhance and attempt to shut the hole somewhat extra.
“I should be pleased with myself as a result of I by no means misplaced focus throughout this race. I used to be at all times prepared in each situation and in each scenario throughout this race.
“To complete on the rostrum confirms that we’re aggressive. I believe we’ve got an actual likelihood to be again on the rostrum once more and perhaps we will even combat for our first victory.
“I received’t cease believing in that and I’ll maintain working for it. We’ve got two extra possibilities tomorrow, so let’s go for it once more.”
