Carlos Checa took another comfortable win in race 2 at the season opener at Phillip Island.
The Althea Ducati rider once again took command of the race, almost repeating the same scenario of race 1, taking the lead on the third lap the Spaniard said good-bye to the rest of the field.
Max Biaggi took another second place, but this time the reigning World Champion had to sweat for the position with his former MotoGP rival, a superb and aggressive Marco Melandri (thank goodness Biaggi’s uncle isn’t around).
Melandri fought tooth and nail against his fellow countryman, swapping positions continuously, but Biaggi would simply outspeed Melandri’s Yamaha R1 on the straight, but between his recovering shoulder, four crashes and a debut podium, Melandri really has something to write home about.
Jonathan Rea took an excellent fourth after his disappointing mistake in race 1 beating Leon Haslam who was struggling in the final part of the race.
Sixth went to Leon Camier who managed to overcome not only his breathing problems, but also the gandular fever that has been afflicting since last week.
Seventh went to the samurai of slide, Noriyuki Haga ahead of his former team mate Michel Fabrizio.
Tom Sykes picked up the ninth spot, while Ruben Xaus brought home his Castrol Honda in tenth.
It was a weekend to forget for Sylvain Guintoli who did not take part in race 2 after sustaining injuries to his hand, knee and shoulder during his race 1 crash and for Kawasaki’s Joan Lascorz who had a technical issue.
Phillip Island Race 2 Results:01- Carlos Checa – Althea Racing – Ducati 1198 – 22 giri in 34’15.
04102- Max Biaggi – Aprilia Alitalia Racing Team – Aprilia RSV4 Factory – + 1.
18803- Marco Melandri – Yamaha World Superbike Team – Yamaha YZF R1 – + 1.
40604- Jonathan Rea – Castrol Honda – Honda CBR 1000RR – + 10.
56305- Leon Haslam – BMW Motorrad Motorsport – BMW S1000RR – + 10.
88506- Leon Camier – Aprilia Alitalia Racing Team – Aprilia RSV4 Factory – + 16.
91407- Noriyuki Haga – Pata Racing Team Aprilia – Aprilia RSV4 Factory – + 17.
55808- Michel Fabrizio – Team Suzuki Alstare – Suzuki GSX-R 1000 – + 17.
67909- Tom Sykes – Kawasaki Racing Team – Kawasaki ZX-10R – + 18.
07010- Ruben Xaus – Castrol Honda – Honda CBR 1000RR – + 19.
05311- Jakub Smrz – Team Effenbert Liberty Racing – Ducati 1198 – + 19.
06012- Roberto Rolfo – Team Pedercini – Kawasaki ZX-10R – + 23.
77113- Josh Waters – Yoshimura Suzuki Racing Team – Suzuki GSX-R 1000 – + 23.
95614- James Toseland – BMW Motorrad Italia – BMW S1000RR – + 28.
71315- Eugene Laverty – Yamaha World Superbike Team – Yamaha YZF R1 – + 32.
67316- Mark Aitchison – Team Pedercini – Kawasaki ZX-10R – + 33.
22617- Bryan Staring – Team Pedercini – Kawasaki ZX-10R – + 42.
59818- Maxime Berger – Supersonic Racing Team – Ducati 1198 – + 51.
81919- Troy Corser – BMW Motorrad Motorsport – BMW S1000RR – + 55.
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