ZXMOTO celebrates third win as Debise storms to last-lap triumph

BUDAPEST -- ZXMOTO's French rider Valentin Debise charged from third to first on the final lap to win Race 1 of the World Supersport (WorldSSP) category at the Hungarian round of the Superbike World Championship on Saturday, delivering the Chinese manufacturer's third victory of its debut season.

Debise started fifth on the grid on his ZXMOTO 820RR-RS. By lap 13, long-time race leader Roberto Garcia crashed into the gravel under pressure from Can Oncu and was forced to retire. Albert Arenas and Debise quickly closed in on Oncu, and the gap between the trio shrank on each lap.

On the final lap, Oncu ran too deep into the Turn 12-13 chicane, surrendering his advantage. Debise seized the moment, carrying more speed through the final corner to complete the overtake and cross the line first, claiming his first win since his double victory in Portimao.

"I knew this track would be difficult for us, but all weekend the team told me to be patient and that we would find a way," Debise said. "This morning I was still not happy with the bike, and they gave me a little something for the race that made me feel much more comfortable."

With the win, Debise moves up to third in the riders' standings with 97 points, behind Arenas on 125 and Jaume Masia on 106. ZXMOTO also sits third in the manufacturers' table with 99 points.

Race 2 of the Hungarian round is scheduled for Sunday.