Video: Checa's highside at Phillip Island
"I was under pressure and pushed a little too hard" says Checa
CARLOS CHECA had an up and down experience at Phillip Island, suffering a high speed crash out of the final turn in race one and comfortably winning the second.
The reigning World Superbike champion was battling for the lead with Max Biaggi in the early stages of the race, when he was spectacularly thrown from his Althea Ducati 1198 in a high-side at Swan corner. He was able to walk away from the crash.
"In race one I had the worst crash that I’ve ever had with the Ducati," commented Checa. "I was under pressure and pushed a little too hard. It’s extremely difficult to find the exact limit with the bike, the track, and with myself and today I exceeded that limit and fell."
Uninjured, Checa was able to comeback for race two and - aided by Biaggi running off at the first corner - rode to a comfortable victory.
"I started strong and when I saw that Max had gone off track, I pushed hard to get ahead and win the race. Max made a good recovery but I was able to maintain a strong pace and bring home what is a very important win for me and for the team.”
Checa ended the weekend with 25 points and currently sits fourth in the standings - 20 points from Biaggi.
