Thrilling action marked the start of the Supersport World Championship season as Stefano Manzi clinched victory in race 1 at Phillip Island, with the top three separated by just 0.480s.
Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) started from pole position but lost several places on the first lap. By the end of the lap, Can Öncü (Yamaha bLU cRU Evan Bros) was leading, followed by Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) and Jaume Masiá (Orelac Racing Verdnatura/Ducati).
🚦 #WorldSSP Race 1 is UNDERWAY! 🚦
— WorldSBK (@WorldSBK) February 22, 2025
DON'T MISS IT 🍿👉 https://t.co/ufHzJzDpIB #AustralianWorldSBK 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/sRaInybkbS
Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate) was in fifth, moving up to fourth on the next lap, overtaking Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph).
The lead changed hands on lap three when Öncü was overtaken by Manzi and Masiá, with the Spanish rider briefly taking the lead. However, Manzi took control before the mandatory pit stops, which began on lap nine.
🤯🤯🤯
— WorldSBK (@WorldSBK) February 22, 2025
Intense moment entering pit lane 👀#AustralianWorldSBK 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/TJW6uenQkq
After the pit stops, the battle for victory remained intense. Manzi was still one of the main contenders and retook the lead on lap 12, only to be immediately passed by Masiá. He quickly fought back, while Marcel Schrötter (WRP Racing/Ducati) and Booth-Amos closed in.
🔄 Change in the lead 🔄
— WorldSBK (@WorldSBK) February 22, 2025
Manzi is first again ☝️#AustralianWorldSBK 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/g3HRqKGwPv
In the final laps, the fight for victory became a four-way battle between Manzi, Masiá, Schrötter, and Booth-Amos. Manzi proved the most effective, gaining a slight margin on the last lap to secure the win by 0.322s. Booth-Amos finished second, with Schrötter taking third ahead of Bendsneyder. Öncü completed the top five, while Masiá was penalized by 3.510s for a pit lane violation, dropping to sixth. Without the penalty, he would have finished second, just 0.017s behind Manzi.
