Max Biaggi has taken Aprilia to their first victory since returning to the World Superbike Championship after capitalising on a collision between Ben Spies and Michel Fabrizio during the opening race at Brno.

The first World Superbike win for Aprilia since Regis Laconi claimed victory at Imola back in 2001, Biaggi's triumph also marks his first since 2007 when he won at Vallelunga almost two years ago.

Although the Italian was in contention for victory from the start of the race, his cause was undoubtedly aided by a coming together between Fabrizio and Spies on lap four as they disputed the lead of the race.

Having recovered from a tardy start, Fabrizio was tailing Spies as they entered the final corner complex, the Italian proceeding to attempt a move on the inside of his title rival. However, with Fabrizio not quite alongside as an unsuspecting Spies closed the door, the Ducati Xerox folded beneath him, pushing him into the side of the Yamaha.

Sending them both barrelling out of the race, an incensed Spies vented his frustration at an apologetic Fabrizio having been denied a perfect opportunity to close on a laboured Noriyuki Haga in the standings.

Their demise would duly play into the hands of a following Biaggi, who simply moved into the lead of a race he wouldn't lose.

Prior to Fabrizio and Spies' collision, Corser had grabbed the headlines in the early stages after sweeping into the lead of the race at the first corner, the Australian capitalising on a season-best grid position of sixth to push ahead of Spies, Jonathan Rea, Fabrizio and Biaggi.

He valiantly held onto the spot too, the visibly improved S1000RR proving a match for its rivals in a straight line, while Corser even shrugged off Spies' move for the lead on lap two by snatching it straight back at the very next corner.

Unsurprisingly, Spies' second attempt proved more successful, while Fabrizio and Biaggi dragged themselves through into second and third too.

However, despite Corser's immense start, there was disappointment on the other side of the garage for Ruben Xaus who suffered a dramatic accident mid-way round the first lap, the Spaniard losing the rear of his BMW before it proceeded to flip end-over-end across the gravel.