Marco Melandri (BMW Motorrad GoldBet) is the winner of a thrilling and ultra-close Race 1 at Monza’s Autodromo Nazionale, following a spectacular and highly entertained battle throughout the 18 laps.
The 11th race win for the home rider – his maiden on the Italian track – was a perfect display of racecraft, as Melandri entered the final lap in 3rd position and immediately overtook Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) at Turn 1, then made a successful move on Eugene Laverty (Aprilia Racing Team) for the lead. The works Aprilia Rider regained first position at the “Ascari” chicane, but the eventual winner was not happy with second place and got along the inside of the Irishman at the last turn, while Sykes tried to take advantage to snatch the victory over both rivals.
The three riders crossed the line side by side, with Melandri winning by 0.085 seconds over Tom Sykes and by 0.107 seconds on Eugene Laverty. Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia Racing Team) was part of the contention for the win but lost ground in the closing stages to finish 4th. The Frenchman is still the Championship leader, 21 points ahead of Sykes and 25 on Laverty.
5th place for Chaz Davies (BMW Motorrad GoldBet), ahead of Michel Fabrizio (Red Devils Roma Aprilia) – who made his way up to sixth position following a difficult start – and Loris Baz (Kawasaki Racing Team).
Race 1 saw a new average speed record for the Superbike World Championship (201,814 km/h): the previous one was set in 2000 at Hockenheim (Race 1 – 201,330 km/h).
— From WorldSBK.com
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