Laconi and McCoy share wins in Australia

Regis Laconi and Garry McCoy shared one victory each at the second round of the World Superbike championship today, Sunday March 28.

The first race was initially led by Britain’s Leon Haslam, but mechanical failure put him out of the race after just half a lap. It was Laconi who inherited the lead, but he faced a stiff challenge from factory Ducati team-mate James Toseland for the first twelve laps.

While Laconi eventually pulled clear to take his second-ever victory in WSB, Toseland became caught in a huge battle for the podium positions with Chris Vermuelen and Steve Martin.

Martin fought his way up to second only to be out-braked by Ten Kate Honda rider Vermuelen coming into the last lap. Toseland was also able to take advantage to claim the third place on the rostrum, with Martin finishing fourth, just in front of Garry McCoy.

Race 1 Result:

1) Laconi. 2) Vermulen. 3) Toseland. 4) Martin. 5) McCoy. 6) Sanchini. 7) Borciani. 8) Haga. 9) Chili. 10) Walker. 11) Clementi. 12) Nannelli. 13) Corser. 14) Velini. 15) Nowland. 16) Praia.

Retired: Bontempi. Fuertes. Pedercini. Haslam. Mrkyvka.

The second race saw Garry McCoy take his first win in the championship. Both factory Ducatis retired after crashing, leaving Australians Martin, Vermueln and McCoy to fight for the podium. It became a fight between McCoy and Martin for the win, until the 19th lap, when Steve Martin’s Ducati expired. McCoy was gifted a seven second lead over second-placed Chris Vermuelen, and was able to take a comfortable win.

1) McCoy. 2) Vermuelen. 3) Chili. 4) Borciani 5) Corser. 6) Haga. 7) Sanchini. 8) Walker. 9) Clementi. 10) Haslam. 11) Bontempi 12) Nannelli. 13) Velini. 14) Nowland.

Retired: Martin. Laconi. Pedercini. Toseland. Praia. Fuertes. Mrkyvka.

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