Reigning superbike world champion Carlos Checa recovered from a massive crash in race one on a Ducati to easily win the second race at Phillip Island. The Spanish rider passed Honda’s Jonathan Rea to move into the lead, which he held for the duration of the race.
It was Max Biaggi on his Aprilia who claimed the championship lead on the weekend by winning race one ahead of Kawasaki’s Tom Sykes to finish second in race two.
Biaggi ran off the track at turn one while battling with Sykes, and then against all the odds eventually moved into the top 10 by mid-race distance. The 40 year old Biaggi, had a comfortable win from compatriot, Italian Marco Melandri. Josh Brookes riding a Suzuki was the first Australian home in 15th place.
While Biaggi enjoyed clear air out in front, there were a number of battles behind him, including a fierce arm wrestle for second place between the BMW of Melandri and Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli on a Ducati, who came in third. After the second of 14 rounds, Biaggi leads the title race on 45 points ahead of Melandri 30 points, Sykes 29 and Checa 25 points.
