Superbike, Phillip Island Round, Race 1: Jonathan Rea's first high of the season

The 2017 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season began with a great Race 1 at the Phillip Island circuit: reigning champion Jonathan Rea secured his first victory with a fantastic performance that allowed him to prevail over Chaz Davies by just 42 thousandths.

There was a battle between the two until the last corner, with Tom Sykes instead crossing the finish line in third position, ahead of an excellent Alex Lowes, who even dominated the race for a few laps.
Regret for Melandri who in the first race back to the top series derivative championship, where he had not been present since 2014, was the author of a straight shot with 8 laps to go, which effectively put an end to his race: a shame because the rider from Ravenna had sprinted well taking the lead and was constantly fighting for the lead.
The same fate befell Lorenzo Savadori, who crashed at turn 6 with 17 laps still remaining.

Excellent performance for Leon Camier who finished the race just three seconds behind the winner and completed an all-British top 5.

Sixth and seventh place instead for the Spaniards Xavi Fores and Jordi Torres, followed by Eugene Laverty, Michael van der Mark and Randy Krummenacher (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing), author of a truly positive debut in WorldSBK, who complete the top ten.

The pair of Red Bull Honda riders, Nicky Hayden and Stefan Bradl, however, were in a bit of difficulty and in their first race with the new CBR Fireblade they finished in 11th and 15th final position respectively.

See you tomorrow, at 5:00 Italian time, with the eagerly awaited Race 2, in which we will see the debut of the new format.

Below is the finishing order for Race 1:
. Jonathan Rea GBR Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R 22 laps
2. Chaz Davies GBR Aruba.it Racing Ducati 1199R +0.042s
3. Tom Sykes GBR Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R +1.050s
4. Alex Lowes GBR PATA Crescent Yamaha R1 +1.082s
5. Leon Camier GBR MV Agusta RC F4 RR +3.002s
6. Xavi Fores ESP Barni Ducati 1199R +3.320s
7. Jordi Torres ESP Althea BMW S1000RR +8.725s
8. Eugene Laverty IRE Milwaukee Aprilia RSV4 +12.135s
9. Michael van der Mark NED PATA Yamaha YZF-R1 +12.180s
10. Randy Krummenacher SWI Puccetti Kawasaki ZX-10R +12.439s
11. Nicky Hayden USA Red Bull Honda CBR1000RR SP2 +19.344s
12. Markus Reiterberger GER Althea BMW S1000RR +21.336s
13. Roman Ramos ESP Team Go Eleven Kawasaki ZX-10R +24.866s
14. Alex de Angelis SMR Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R +24.902s
15. Stefan Bradl GER Red Bull Honda CBR1000RR SP2 +28.936s
16. Riccardo Russo ITA Guandalini Yamaha YZF-R1 +39.404s
17. Ayrton Badovini ITA Grillini Kawasaki ZX-10R +42.941s
18. Ondrej Jezek CZE Grillini Kawasaki ZX-10R +48.043s

Did not finish

Marco Melandri ITA Aruba.it Racing Ducati 1199R
Josh Brookes AUS ER Motorsports Yamaha YZF-R1
Lorenzo Savadori ITA Milwaukee Aprilia RSV4