From the outset it looked like
Troy Bayliss had race one of round eleven of the Corona Extra Superbike World Championship wrapped up. He pulled a lead of 3.233secs just five laps in however he had pushed his tyres too hard too soon and by lap fourteen he had Haga for company.
Haga reeled in Bayliss and sprinted away to take a well earned win. Second place went to Max Biaggi on the Alstare Corona Extra Suzuki who had a big fight on his hands due to
Troy Corser trying to take second place from him. The Roman kept the Australian at bay and Corser had to settle for third place.
Following the race Haga said, “Today I didn't make crazy riding. I make a good start but Bayliss had gone by about 3secs. I try to catch him, it was difficult at the beginning but I push more every lap. I believe in my hard front tyre and by mid laps Bayliss slow down and I catch him. I am happy for the result, my team work hard and I am comfortable riding – thank you team. I will do my best in race two.” He dedicated his win to a friend who was killed whilst test riding in Japan.
“We didn't have a bad set- up for the dry and not so bad a rhythm,” said Biaggi of his race, “We had a little problem in qualifying which put me seventh on the grid. I want 25 points in race two so I need to win. Both the Yamahas had a very strong rhythm; they have found a good set-up. Troy Corser was fast in warm-up and I could hear his exhaust close to my bike. I try not to make a mistake.”
