WSS: Double podium, but Stigefelt a wreck.

There wasn't much in it in the end for the ex-Superbike racer - and previous winner at Phillip Island - Josh Brookes, but the Aussie was happy enough with second place to Andrew Pitt and now leads the World Supersport championship for Hannspree Stiggy Motorsport.

Along with team mate Robbin Harms, Brookes had been a pacesetter all race and was in the lead group containing Pitt, Fabien Foret and his team-mate throughout. While Harms took it upon himself to swap the lead with Pitt, however, Brookes opted for more of a waiting game.

There wasn't much in it in the end for the ex-Superbike racer - and previous winner at Phillip Island - Josh Brookes, but the Aussie was happy enough with second place to Andrew Pitt and now leads the World Supersport championship for Hannspree Stiggy Motorsport.

Along with team mate Robbin Harms, Brookes had been a pacesetter all race and was in the lead group containing Pitt, Fabien Foret and his team-mate throughout. While Harms took it upon himself to swap the lead with Pitt, however, Brookes opted for more of a waiting game.

"It wasn't as good as 2004, when I won," he said, "but it was a fantastic race. It was a very tough, hard scrap, but great fun at the same time. I'm sure all my friends, family and fans really enjoyed the race and they must have been biting their nails at the end. Pitt and I put our heads down and charged for the line but, in the end, he got it."

Harms, after enduring an injury-hit off-season and a tough race in Qatar, managed a third place finish in Australia to join his team-mate on the podium.

"I felt very strong in the race," revealed the Dane. "Although it must have seemed a crazy race, I felt totally in control. I was actually a bit frustrated with Pitt because, in some places, he was holding me up, but I'd like to say thank you to the team and hope we can carry on this way."

Team manager Johan Stigefelt was elated at the result, but admitted to being racked with nerves in the closing moments, as his riders battled wheel to wheel on the undulating Phillip Island asphalt.

"I'm so happy with the result today," Stigefelt said, "Especially getting both our riders on the podium - that is a first for us. I'm delighted for Joshua getting this result at Phillip Island, his home race, but, for me, it was the worst race ever, because I was nervous and fretting throughout the 21 laps. I think this race must have been put years on me!"

Brookes now leads the Supersport championship with a four-point advantage over the consistent Joan Lascorz, while Harms has moved into fourth with his strong result in Australia.

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