Bayliss is back

Troy Bayliss bounced back from his nightmare weekend in Qatar with vengeance by winning the opening WSB at Phillip Island today. Bayliss who was expected to struggle with tyre life was able to stick with long time race leader James Toseland before making his move on lap 18 of 22 to take the lead.

Toseland rode hard from the start and set the pace, expecting to break the men behind him and although he was able to drop Corser, Bayliss refused to let go forcing the Brit to settle for second spot.

Max Biaggi rode another calculated race and got stronger with each lap. After having a mid race dice with Yamaha man Noriyuki Haga, Biaggi ended the race as the fastest man on track but was too far away from the front men to challenge for victory.

Troy Corser started the race on a mission and rode aggressively at the beginning before his rear Pirelli began to deteriorate and he slowly dropped down the order to finish in fifth spot after his team-mate Nori Haga stole fourth place on the final lap.

Toseland’s second position sees him take the championship lead, now four points ahead of Italian Max Biaggi with Bayliss in third 21 points behind.