Bayliss Takes Early Lead In Qatar
Added on Sunday, February 24th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Bayliss Takes Early Lead In Qatar
Troy Bayliss and Fonsi Neito both took the initiative in the World Superbikes Series in the opening round in Qatar on Saturday.
Australian Bayliss clinched victory in the opening race of the series after a thrilling see-saw battle with Ducati teammate Max Biaggi ended in a final lap victory for the former world champion by a margin of just 0.45secs over Biaggi.
Bayliss’s compatriot Troy Corser finished third despite his Yamaha starting from pole position.
In the second race of the day, Spaniard Fonsi Nieto took the chequered flag ahead of compatriot Ruben Xaus.
Suzuki’s Nieto posted a best lap time of 1:59.156 around Losail International Circuit in Doha to claim his first WSB victory.
Biaggi finished in third position whilst Bayliss, the winner in the previous race, crossed the line in fourth.
A delighted Nieto later claimed that the result was all down to the perseverance of the team during testing.
“I was trying to focus on keeping the tires good to push towards the last stages of the race.
“All my hard work during the testing earlier this week here has paid off.”
Bayliss takes an early lead in the championship with 38 points with Biaggi second on 36, followed by Nieto with 34.
Sterilgarda rider Xaus paid tribute to teammate Max Biaggi after his second-place finish in Qatar.
“Having Biaggi in the team is a great motivation. I have learned a lot from him,” he added.
