Hannes Soomer and the WilSport Racedays Honda Team have won the 2017 edition of the FIM European Supersport Cup after a thrilling season finale at ‘Circuito de Jerez’ in southern Spain last Sunday. The 19-year-old Estonian rider entered the final round of the season with an 8-point advantage over his nearest rival Rob Hartog, and defended his leadership in the 19-lap World Supersport Spanish race by finishing 15th and claiming the title by the slimmest of margins – one point.
Born on the 17th of February 1998 in Estonia’s capital city of Tallin, Soomer stepped foot on the international motorcycle racing scene by joining the WorldSBK’s former one-make, entry-level series – the European Junior Cup – at the early age of 15 in 2013. On board Honda machinery, Hannes built up a copious amount of experience around the European tracks of the World Superbike calendar, while proving to be one of the most talented and mature young talents in the championship.
His results and performances led to the decision by former EJC Series Director Gerry Bryce to sign Soomer to compete on board a Honda CBR600RR machine in the FIM Europe Supersport Cup with team WilSport Racedays Honda. Soomer, on the Ten Kate Racing Products-prepared machine, made a stellar debut at Aragón last April where he was 9th overall. His consistency throughout the season allowed him to clinch the well-deserved trophy as the final event of 2017 drew to a close.
I’m really delighted to have won the title – it wasn’t easy, because in the last race at Jerez we made the wrong tyre choice while Hartog was really competitive, so it went down to the wire with just a one-point difference between us. The team has worked really hard this year and I’m super happy with this 2017 season. I’d like to extend big thanks to the team, to Honda, Ten Kate Racing Products and everybody for their invaluable support!
— WilSport Racedays Honda
We are very pleased to have helped Hannes to the FIM European Supersport Cup title this weekend at Jerez, and he has had a remarkable season after graduating from the European Junior Cup. He has been consistently fast in only his first full year racing a 600cc motorcycle, and has worked hard on all the elements needed to be a professional rider. We would like to thank all the people who have made this great season possible. Ten Kate Racing Products for providing a faultless Honda CBR600RR and tremendous support, our Sponsors WIL Sport, Atilla and ENOS for believing in the project. Last but not least, the team members who have worked tirelessly all season and most importantly Hannes for doing his job so well. Now we need to focus on what’s ahead of us and hopefully there’ll be good news! soon!
— WilSport Racedays Honda
