World SBK: Phillip Island Australia

Olaf Wolff
AllAboutBikes Staff-Writer

Starting in the pole position, American Ben Spies, AMA Superbike import, got his official welcome to the big’s, running into the gravel in turn two of the first race. He managed to hold on to finish 16^th.

Starting 13^th on the grid, Ducati’s Noriyuki Haga (JPN), as though fired from a slingshot, was up among the front-runners and in 2^nd place by the end of the opening lap. Once settled in, the race quickly became a dual between Haga and Suzuki’s Max Neukirchner (GER).

Deliverance for Spies came fast and sweet in the second race. He sprinted into the lead, holding it for the first five laps. First race winner Nori passed Spies initiating an epic clash that lasted the entire race. Spies not only contended with a very speedy, seasoned veteran in Haga, he also had to hold off the likes of Max Biaggi, Leon Haslam, Michel Fabrizio and Regis Laconi, battling close behind.

Notable finishes include the debut manufacturers, BMW and Aprilia. Corser T. (AUS) BMW finished eighth on the BMW S1000RR, setting the fastest lap on the new Beemer. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia, surprised with a second-place Superpole result, finished Race 1 in 11th.

Race 1

1. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati

2. Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki 0.032

3. Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki 5.347

Race 2

1. Spies B. (USA) Yamaha

2. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1.286

3. Haslam L. (GBR) 4.213