After a six month absence from racing following a training crash in April, twenty year old Phillip Tonn was back on track this past weekend at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours where he rejoined the grid of the 2025 FIM Supersport 300 World Championship – and what a racing return it was!
Seventh fastest in the opening Free Practice, Phillip qualified tenth for the Saturday’s opening eleven lap race. From the start Phillip showed no sign of having not raced since Portimão in Portugal as he joined a multi rider battle for the podium in the early stages. As the race progressed the top three eased away from the chasing pack leaving Phillip to use all his skill to stay at the front of the second group of riders. Timing it perfectly the #66 crossed the line fourth – a career best result for the talented German. He was also the top KTM finisher.
Starting on the third row of the grid due to his lap time in Race One, Phillip was once again immediately in contention for the podium on Sunday. Setting the fastest lap early on, things were looking good for an equally impressive result until he crashed out, unhurt, with only a handful of laps remaining.
Despite the crash, Phillip leaves France happy with the pace he showed throughout the weekend and heads to the next round of the series at Motorland Aragon in Spain in three weeks confident of another front running performance.
Phillip Tonn:
“For sure I was a little bit more nervous and excited before race one, but that is to be expected after not racing since Portimão which was round one. I started P8 because a couple of riders got penalty. I made a good start and overtook two riders right at the start around the outside. I got into a good rhythm and was easily able to stay in the group. It was a hard race with many overtakes but I was always in the second group. On the last lap I had a plan to be in P6 or P7 along the back straight and make my move into the hairpin. It worked and I was able to hold P4 for the rest of the lap. It was such an amazing feeling after all the pain, effort, and tears that I have had since my crash. I finally felt that I got something back. To get my best result in the world championship on my first race back I couldn’t even really think about beforehand but when the lights went out, I went into race mode and almost made the podium. I had a good Sunday morning warm up and was happy and excited for the race. I made a good start in race two and after making a couple of overtakes I was in the front group. I set the fastest lap and even led the race but unfortunately the bike started to overheat, and I lost a little power. I was riding on the limit and unfortunately, I crashed trying to stay in the group. It was a bit of a struggle but at least I showed that I have the speed. My plan was to try carry more speed to make the slipstream, but I was a little bit over the limit, and I lost the front. For sure it’s sad and a bit unlucky but there are a lot of positives that I can take forward from France for the rest of the season. I want to thank everyone that supports me. See you all in Aragon!”
