Editor

Like he did in 2008, Carlos Checa set pole in front of Max Biaggi, Cal Crutchlow and Jakub Smrz. Leon Haslam, Biaggi's main contender for the title run was just behind, starting from fifth. The only mistake by Carlos in this weekend was at the start of race one, when he was passed by Biaggi and Camier and was forced into third at the first corner; moments later Smrz broke his engine, running half of the opening lap with his bike smoking.


Checa was able to pass Camier during the opening lap, Leon tried to fight back, but Checa held on to second and moments later he took first from Biaggi, recording the fastest race lap. Carlos pulled away and was set for a comfortable win, but an electrical problem sidelined him with three laps to go, leaving the win to Biaggi.


Checa at the start of race two was faster and left the Aprilias behind: at the end of the opening lap he already had a seven tenths advantage over Biaggi. Checa pulled away immediately, increasing his advantage to 1.2 seconds by the third lap. On the eighth lap Checa again retired due to mechanical failure and Biaggi had an easy run for the win, having already a huge gap over his rivals.





Source: World Superbike

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