WSBK Championship leader Troy Corser was denied a double victory on Sunday at the Brno circuit when Noriyuki Haga beat him to the line in the final race of the day.

WSBK Championship leader Troy Corser was denied a double victory on Sunday at the Brno circuit when Noriyuki Haga beat him to the line in the final race of the day.

Chris Vermeulen captured the final podium spot in the second race of the day after a rather lukewarm performance in the first race.

"Race one did not go according to plan," Vermeulen said after the second outing," but I've never seen this track before and I have enjoyed racing here. It is a hard track with lots of downhills and turning to the front. Steering was where we struggled, but I'll be more prepared the next time round.

"We made some changes for race two to get more grip and drive. I'm pleased to be on the podium, but I want to be on the top step."

After an impressive first race, Corser was the runner-up in the second race, bolstering his championship lead with more points.

"I didn't think I'd be beaten this Saturday, especially after race one!"

The champion opted to use his second bike in the next race, but could not match the pace of Haga. "I tried to stay with Haga, but I couldn't so I just remained consistent and kept second place for the points," Corser said.

Although Haga only qualified in eighteenth position, his Yamaha team had tested at the Brno circuit recently so, using his advantage, he scored his first victory this season, his last win having been with Ducati at Magny Cours last year.

"It was a tough race, but I am very happy," the winner of race two said.

Sunday's racing was not without incident , as the second race was red flagged on lap two when Vizziello's engine blew, leaving oil on the track, which caused wild card rider Svoboda to crash.

Corser led initially after the restart as Haga powered his way from eighteenth to eighth in two laps, then blasted through to challenge for the lead. The midfield battle was intense as Norick Abe, Karl Muggeridge, Vermeulen, Toseland and Laconi all vied for the top points.

Original article from Car