Having 5^th gate pick for Sunday’s race would be crucial for a good start on the rain soaked circuit and for moto 1 Paulin was able to hug a tight line in the first turn to emerge in 3^rd spot behind Rui Goncalves and Antonio Cairoli. He gave chase to the two fast starters but then came under pressure from a charging Ken De Dycker who felt at home in the difficult conditions. Paulin chose to let the Belgian pass and settled for the security of fourth position at the end of the 35 min + 2 lap race.

With more rainfall between the first and second moto’s another good start would be important and Paulin once again delivered. When Cairoli fumbled on lap 3 Paulin inherited second place and looked set on holding his position however a series of small mistakes saw the Frenchman loose his rhythm and vital positions as he was relegated back to 5^th with Goncalves making his way past with 2 laps to go.

“The track was perfect on Saturday but with the rain today it totally changed and was very difficult for me. My starts were good in both moto’s and put me in a good position but the end result was not what I was expecting. I felt that I should have won the second moto but some small mistakes made me lose my rhythm. I gained some points on 3^rd and 2^nd in the championship but it should have been much better and at least a podium finish today” explained a disappointed Paulin.

With the GP calendar returning to Russia after 10 years, Paulin will head to Semigorje next weekend for round 11 of the 16 round series.