The race win went to
Noriyuki Haga on the Yamaha Italia machine who rode a faultless race, leading from lights to flag. He lost out on the title by just two points. Toseland actually finished in sixth place but it was sufficient to clinch his second World title.
“About time,” he exclaimed, “I've been in the lead from the first race. What a championship with Haga, Biaggi, Bayliss and Corser. I've been in this Championship for seven years and I wanted to win it before moving
MotoGP. This is what I live for, its all that matters. My trophy at home was looking lonely so I've now got this one to keep it company. This is what I wanted to say thanks to everyone in Superbike,” said an emotional Toseland.
Haga, once again is the Brides maid to Toseland, “It was a little bit easy, we change the suspension settings for race two and used one grade harder tyre. I was pushing so hard. I can't complain, I do my best to win twice. I try next year for the title,” he said.
Second place on the podium went to Max Biaggi on the Alstare Corona Extra Suzuki who had an epic battle with
Troy Corser.
Biaggi was happy with his podium finishes saying, “Its good always but I'm always looking for better. I'm happy with my first year and Superbike is a championship I like. Race one I get involved with the crash with Lanzi and Toseland. I lost out and came back on track in 15th so I was disappointed. For race two I change the suspension front and rear. It worked better and I pushed from the start, I had a better rhythm but not enough to catch Nori.”
The final step of the podium went to the hard charging
Fonsi Nieto on the PSG-1 Kawasaki. He had wanted a podium for his team before he moves on next year and that is exactly what he achieved.
“That was a really hard race. I make good race in race one but second race I had better rhythm. I push hard and brake hard to pass Corser. He touch me one time and I touch him one time – this is Superbike and is fun for fans,” commented Nieto.
Troy Corser had to settle for fourth place after two very physical battles with Biaggi and Nieto. The Australian was bumped into by both riders leaving him with his feet off the pegs and lucky to stay on his Yamaha Italia.
