Davide Tardozzi and Troy Bayliss (Photo: Ducati Corse) » More Photos

Race 2

Bayliss and Haga thrashed out a duel for the entire second race, but two laps before the end the newly-crowned champion made his attack and went on to conclude a triumphant day with the win. Third place on the podium went to Corser, who also rode an attacking race, with Checa finishing fourth. There was a terrific scrap for fifth between Sterilgarda teammates Ruben Xaus and Max Biaggi, with the Spaniard getting the edge in a sprint finish with the Italian. The second race was not so good for the Suzuki riders, with Yukio Kagayama, Nieto and Max Neukirchner finishing in that order behind Biaggi. Roberto Rolfo (Honda Althea) and Lorenzo Lanzi (Ducati RG) both finished in the points, but it was a race 2 to forget for Fabrizio, who only finished 14th.

Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox): "It was a great race in the end, we made one change and put on a harder front tire for the second race. The grip was similar but more consistent during the race. I was struggling on the exits to the tight corner, losing a bit to Nori, but it's always like this. You lose some and gain some. I gave it my all, there wasn't much to lose, I put three good laps together at the end and it was a great win."

Noriyuki Haga (Yamaha Motor Italia): "In the last five laps my rear tire started to go off and I could not open the gas, but Troy and I had a great fight. Once again a big thanks to the team, they did a great job all weekend."

Troy Corser (Yamaha Motor Italia): Starting from the third row meant that it was going to be a tough race for me, but I managed to get a good start and get through the first few laps. I had a bit of a tussle with Rolfo and Checa, and then when the rain started to come, I thought this is my chance to make up some time. I caught these guys but couldn't go any further. The front tire was almost finished on the right side and I almost took Troy out. Shame I was so far back, but now we'll see if we can win one at the next round."

Results: 1. Bayliss T. (AUS) Ducati 1098 F08 38'33.579 (157,864 kph); 2. Haga N. (JPN) Yamaha YZF-R1 0.909; 3. Corser T. (AUS) Yamaha YZF-R1 2.966; 4. Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 7.175; 5. Xaus R. (ESP) Ducati 1098 RS 08 12.822; 6. Biaggi M. (ITA) Ducati 1098 RS 08 13.004; 7. Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R1000 18.876; 8. Nieto F. (ESP) Suzuki GSX-R1000 19.512; 9. Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R1000 19.627; 10. Rolfo R. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 21.425; 11. Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098 RS 08 25.133; 12. Lavilla G. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 30.538; 13. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098 RS 08 35.334; 14. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098 F08 38.453; 15. Walker C. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 40.008; 16. Nakatomi S. (JPN) Yamaha YZF-R1 40.802.

Points (after 13 of 14 rounds): Riders - 1. Bayliss (Ducati) 410 punti; 2. Haga (Yamaha) 325; 3. Corser (Yamaha) 316; 4. Neukirchner (Suzuki) 298; 5. Checa (Honda) 284; 6. Biaggi (Ducati) 235; 7. Nieto (Suzuki) 234; 8. Fabrizio (Ducati) 203; 9. Kiyonari (Honda) 193; 10. Xaus (Ducati) 171; etc. Manufacturers - 1. Ducati 520; 2. Yamaha 461; 3. Suzuki 384; 4. Honda 379; 5. Kawasaki 82.