World SBK Nürburgring: Noriyuke Haga falls, Ben Spies takes win and Championship lead
9-8-2009
by
Marc Cantin
, moto123.com
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Ben Spies (Yamaha) and Noriyuki Haga (Ducati) were within two points of each other coming into round 11 (Of 17) of the World Superbike Championship, at the Nürburgring. After the races, Spies would be the new leader.
Haga took the lead from pole position, holding off Leon Haslam (Honda) into the opening turn before Troy Corser (BMW) took over second place, ahead of Jonathan Rea (Honda) and Spies. The American WSB rookie then moved into second and set out after Haga, closing the 1.5 sec gap quickly, and passing him for the lead within two laps.
Spies then attempted to build on his advantage, but Haga was able to follow, never falling more than half a second behind and, with three laps to go, the Japanese veteran pulled alongside Spies and dove into the lead at the hairpin. Spies calmly placed his Yamaha back up the inside of Haga the Japanese veteran ran wide, immediately reclaiming the advantage and claiming victory in the first of two races.
Things would be different in the second race as Jonathan Rea won his second career WSBK race, with Ben Spies taking over the championship lead courtesy of Haga’s retirement from the race. Haga was dicing with Rea, now in second place, for the lead of the race when the pair collided, the Ducati rider having run wide before coming back onto line just as Rea was attempting to slip back up the inside. Haga was forced down to the ground and unable to get going again.
Meanwhile, with a poor start leaving him in seventh, Spies had made no progress before his rival's fall, but leapt three positions straight away in the ensuing confusion. Spies was still proving to be a race win contender as he shadowed Haslam, now in second place, the American eventually getting the better of him under braking.
Setting off in pursuit of Rea, Spies was able to catch him, but was never close enough to launch anything more than the occasional lunge, and was forced in the end to play second fiddle.
Next stop in the WSBK championship battle is Imola on September 27th.
WSBK Nürburgring Race 1 - Results
Pos. Rider Bike Gap
1.Ben Spies Yamaha 20 laps
2. Noriyuki Haga Ducati +3.850s
3. Carlos Checa Honda +6.990s
4. Jonathan Rea Honda +7.109s
5. Max Biaggi Aprilia +12.825s
6. Leon Haslam Honda +13.243s
7. Etc………….
WSBK Nürburgring Race 2 - Results
Pos. Rider Bike Gap
1. Jonathan Rea Honda 20 laps
2. Ben Spies Yamaha +0.786s
3. Carlos Checa Honda +4.993s
4. Max Biaggi Aprilia +8.191s
5. Leon Haslam Honda +10.907s
6. Troy Corser BMW +17.152s
7. Etc………
WSBK Standings – After Round 11 of 17
Pos. Rider Points
1. Ben Spies 364
2. Noriyuki Haga 346
3. Michel Fabrizio 289
4. Jonathan Rea 284
5. Max Biaggi 244
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