Leon Haslam on the Alstare Suzuki roared to his first WSBK win in Australia in Race 1 of the championship. Leading from start to finish, it was a stunning opener from the young Brit. Controlling the race impeccably, he narrowly fought off the Italian Michele Fabrizio in a photo finish at the end of the race. Noriyuki Haga joined them on the rostrum.
It was a close call to decide the race winner, as Fabrizio was in the slipstream of Haslam’s Ducati on the finishing straight and finished 0.004 seconds behind the no 91 bike. It led to massive confusion though as the timing screens declared Fabrizio had won the race and then a moment later, it had been corrected to Haslam! It was a
mix of emotions for the winner to go through. Utter disappointment to unrivalled joy to secure his first victory in this class.
Fans witnessed a dominant performance from Haslam under pressure from the more experienced Ducati boys on the daunting Phillip Island race track. This showed that Haslam appears to have what it takes to fight for the championship.
This win was particularly fitting since the owner of the Alstare Suzuki, Francis Batta, his partner had just lost her mum this weekend so this result was much needed to lighten the spirits in the team and the office.
Haslam previously was riding on the privateer bike with his best result a podium finish. This season, his first on a full factory bike and he took the opportunity and exceeded all expectations.
Behind the top 3, there was much excitement with close racing between Rea, Checa, Biaggi and Guintoli. Positions changed frequently with Rea getting the best of them and taking 4th place.
Things did not run so smoothly however for fellow Brit, James Toseland. After a crash on Friday which caused significant injury to Toseland’s wrist, he was fighting for 7th in the race but on lap 5 he crashed at Lukey Heights, with an awkward landing on the damaged wrist. The former double WSBK champion’s first race back in the series had not gone to plan.
His Yamaha teamate, Cal Crutchlow, sufferered similar fate with a crash whilst in 5th place ending his chances of a good points finish.
Ex Moto GP Chris Vermuelen fared no better on the Kawasaki with a crash early on in the race putting an end to his hopes of scoring well in home GP.
Haga who had been down in 12th on the grid made a stunning start to be 3rd after the first few corners and was in close contention for the win in the final three laps of the race.
The first race belonged to the Pocket Rocket from Derbyshire. Could he deliver the double in Race 2...
Results for Race 1:
1. Leon Haslam
2. Michele Fabrizio
3. Noriyuki Haga
4. Jonathan Rea
5. Max Biaggi
6. Sylvain Guintoli
7. Carlos Checa
8. Jakub Smrz
9. Troy Corser
10. Lorenzo Lanzi
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