WSBK: Brilliant Bautista Completes Hat-Trick

At a sun drenched Phillip Island circuit, Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing Ducati) once again dominated the field to lay down another emphatic marker as a serious championship contender.

In broad statistical terms it was a carbon copy of Saturday’s race – Bautista started from pole position, hooked up a perfect launch off the line and left his rivals eating dust. The Spanish rider cleared off into the distance and at one stage had pulled out an incredible 17 second advantage over nearest rival, reigning champion Jonathan Rea. Having been made to work much harder earlier in the day during the inaugural Superpole Race, Bautista turned up the heat on Sunday afternoon and didn’t give the Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) riders any hope – never mind chance – of fighting for victory.

Whilst Bautista was completing a truly dominant weekend, the racing behind was fierce. Leon Haslam (KRT) made life difficult throughout the race for teammate Rea. The 2018 BSB champion was in no mood to roll over and play number 2 and, especially after taking a tumble in Saturday’s race, was intent on making a success of his debut weekend with the team by securing a podium finish. Haslam and Rea dived, lunged and blocked each other at every turn. Rea was impeccable through Doohan corner, whilst Haslam regularly braved a pass through Stoner’s. The duo regularly dropped over Lukey Heights side-by-side. Eventually though, having called upon all his experience, Rea forced his way back in front of his teammate on the final lap, and held on for second place.

Hot on their heels was trio of Yamaha riders – Michael Van der Mark, Alex Lowes (both Pata Yamaha) and series veteran Marco Melandri (GRT Yamaha). For much of the race it was Melandri who was hounding the KRT duo. The Italian has always excelled around the Australian circuit, and today was another timely reminder from the 36-year old that he’s certainly not about to join the washed-up brigade any time soon. However it was ultimate the Pata Yamaha duo who finished stronger, with Van der Mark narrowly edging out Lowes. Although neither could wrestle a podium finish from Kawasaki’s grasp, the team can look back on the opening round with some satisfaction with Lowes taking 30 points, and Van der Mark taking 29 from the opening round.

Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing Ducati) produced a very solid ride to finish seventh today. The Welshman is still recovering from reconstructive surgery to his shoulder and collarbone, and once again gritted his teeth to fight through the field. He had to fend off a race-long challenge from class rookie Sandro Cortese (GRT Yamaha). The German rider, fresh from his 2018 World Supersport triumph, grew in confidence as the weekend progressed, and an 8th place finish today is a decent platform to build on.

Completing the top ten were Eugene Laverty (Team GoEleven Ducati) and Leon Camier (Moriwaki Honda). Laverty improved upon his Race 1 performace with ninth place today for his new team. Meanwhile Camier (P10) will just be relieved to have scored points after crashing down at Turn 2 early on in Saturday’s race. A difficult weekend to start the season for the Honda camp. They will be hoping to be more competitive next time out at the Buriram Circuit, in three weeks’ time.

The 2019 FIM Superbike World Championship resumes 15-17 March with the Thai Round.