Team Suzuki Press Office – February 21.
Cedric Soubeyras – 3rd/ Series – 1st overall
Thomas Ramette – 2nd/ Series – 2nd overall
Cyrille Coulon – DNS/ Series – 7th overall.
In a drama-packed finale at SSE Arena Wembley in London, Team FRO Systems Suzuki rider Cedric Soubeyras clinched the 2018 Power Maxed Arenacross Tour Championship at the weekend ahead of defending champion Thomas Ramette aboard his SR75 Suzuki World Team RM-Z450, by just three points.
French Supercross Champion Soubeyras finished the Main Event in third position, just behind three-time champion Ramette, but with double points up for grabs at this round – including the unique Hot-Lap event that added points – it was enough to clinch the title.
Said Soubeyras: “I’m in a dream. I wanted it so badly. All day I’ve been trying to relax and not think about it, but it’s been difficult. I knew in my mind that I had to beat Thomas in the hot lap and then I knew it would be enough to finish behind him in the race. Now it’s starting to sink in, I’m really, really happy.”
Ramette said: ““I made a mistake on the quad, but that’s racing. I’ve won it three times. How am I feeling? In a word, gutted! But I can hold my head up high knowing I’ve raced with respect for my rivals and always given 100 per cent and left everything out on the track. Arenacross is very tough and unpredictable – I’m disappointed but I will take it on the chin. Thank you to all my sponsors and fans for their support.”
Ramette’s team-mate Cyril Coulon was unable to start in the Main Event due to illness, but said: “Wembley has been pretty bad for me this year. I am very sad for the championship to end in this manner but there was no way I could have raced and still been safe – for myself and the other guys around me. Thank you to my team, my family and my fans for supporting me. I hope I haven’t let you all down because you mean the world to me.”
Geoff Walker, SR75 Suzuki Team Principal added: “As a team and a family we love great riding, respect and fantastic racing. We have enjoyed incredible success and some tough and strange moments during this tour but at the end of it we can be proud of our double podiums, our victories, our amazing Suzuki race bikes, our incredible riders and the fantastic crew of Paul, Tony and Luke who make things work so smoothly.
“We’d also like to thank our brilliant team partners who back us worldwide and give us the best products and support to show week-in, week-out what we can achieve. Our sincere thanks go to the organisers, their staff and our families, friends and amazing fans.”
