Sepang Race One: Melandri takes Aprilia-lead podium

Marco Melandri took his first win for Aprilia, in a strong 1-2 for the Italian team with Guintoli taking second. But it was a turn one incident that saw both of the Kawasaki Racing teammates of Baz and Sykes collide and crash out that will be the talking point of the race.

Baz, making the change between the left and right line of the first corner, clipped the rear of his teammate, Sykes, which in turn saw the latter man careering into compatriot Alex Lowes on his Voltcom Crescent Suzuki.

With all three out of the race, chasing riders slowed down by the fallout and the superpole winner creating greater room at the front it was the man who had dominated the weekend so far – Guintoli – who looked to have the measure of the race. This was to do a disservice to his teammate however, who had moved up to second by lap three and from then on began his chase towards the leader.

It was a calculated hunt by the Italian, who had not won a round in World Superbikes since Moscow last season, and by lap ten he had got his wheel in front.

Claiming third place on the podium was the Voltcom Crescent Sukuki of Laverty; the irishman taking full advantage of the first lap events.