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 “Certainly an exciting start to the World Superbike season!” – Paul Denning, PATA YAMAHA WorldSBK Official Team Team Principal

Paul Denning was reacting after Race 1 where the two Yamaha riders finished first and fourth – separated by just 0.013s. Both Yamaha riders led multiple laps during the race as the opening race ended in thrilling style. The team had a mixed Race 2 as Michael van der Mark finished fourth with Toprak Razgatlioglu retiring from the race.

“Just going into Lukey Heights, I got hit from behind and that’s all I knew. I used all my motocross skills!” – Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK)

Jonathan Rea’s title defence got off to a bad start in Race 1 after a collision with Tom Sykes (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team). Sykes was able to continue at the front of the field while Rea had a trip through the gravel and re-joined the race in last place. Sykes also discussed the incident with Rea after the race; saying he was caught out by the entry speed of Rea. A separate incident for Rea a few laps later left Rea out of the race, an incident he also spoke about after the race.

“Everyone was banging into me!” – Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK)

Lowes won on his first weekend for Kawasaki after making the switch from Yamaha, claiming victory from his teammate in a drag race to the line. It was not an easy race for Lowes, with at least nine riders in the leading pack. A move on Rea with two laps to go was enough to take the victory despite Rea trying his hardest to re-take first place.

Lowes also interacted with his former Team Principal on Twitter after the weekend, praising the job Paul Denning and Yamaha had done throughout the weekend. Plus, a little revelation from Lowes…

“Unbelievable! Look at that! And who won the first race of the season?!” – Greg Haines, Eurosport commentator

Haines spoke for many people who watched the first race of the season when he asked who won the first race of the season. It was impossible to separate the top three as they crossed the line with 0.041s covering Toprak Razgatlioglu (PATA YAMAHA WorldSBK Official Team), Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and Scott Redding (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati). It was the closest podium of the century…

“Not an easy weekend but great to have my two biggest fans close to me.” – Leon Camier (Barni Racing Team)

Leon Camier (Barni Racing Team) was due to take part in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship curtain-raiser at Phillip Island. Unfortunately for the British rider, a shoulder injury sustained in the MotorLand Aragon test kept causing Camier pain and functional impairment of the left shoulder ruled him out of the weekend following Friday practice.

You can watch more sensational action from the 2020 season with WorldSBK VideoPass!