PHOTOGRAPHY BY GOLD & GOOSE
For Kawasaki Racing Team’s Jonathan Rea, the inaugural Thai World Superbike round was pure perfection—pole position, two holeshots and the double win. For his competition, it was déjà vu all over again as Rea checked out and proved himself a force to be reckoned.
Rea attributed it to preparation in the off season with his team and that the pair of wins demonstrated that the hard worked paid off, but was quick to add that perfect days like that are rare and was planning on savoring the moment.
On the flip side, fellow Brit Leon Haslam was less than happy to have history repeat itself in race two. But all in all, the Red Devils Roma Aprilia rider was happy to leave with the points from two second-place finishes.
In third—making it another British sweep of the podium—was Voltcom Crescent Suzuki’s Alex Lowes.
Once again, Rea and Haslam’s teammates—Tom Sykes and Jordi Torres—battled for position, with Torres coming out on top this time in fourth.
The battle for sixth was fought between Pata Honda teammates Sylvain Guintoli and Michael van der Mark. Even though rookie Van der Mark got the reigning champ in the final corner, the young Dutchman was penalized by Race Direction for contact made with his teammate and was demoted a position.
In eighth was Althea Racing Ducati’s Matteo Baiocco, who turned out to be the highest finishing Ducati. Pedercini Kawasaki’s David Salom was ninth ahead of Barni Ducati Team’s Leandro Mercado.
Bad luck continued for Aruba.it Racing Ducati’s Chaz Davies as he once again low sided, this time in turn three. Fan favorite, Troy Bayliss on the other Aruba.it Racing Ducati finished 11th.
2015 World Superbike
Chang International Circuit
Provisional Race Two Results
1. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki)
2. Leon Haslam (Aprilia)
3. Alex Lowes (Suzuki)
4. Jordi Torres (Aprilia)
5. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki)
6. Sylvain Guintoli (Honda)
7. Michael van der Mark (Honda)
8. Matteo Baiocco (Ducati)
9. David Salom (Kawasaki)
10. Leandro Mercado (Ducati)
