- Marco Melandri gets the better of Aprilia team-mate Sylvain Guintoli to complete a double win in Sepang
- The Italian out-foxes his counterpart during a thrilling final lap showdown
- Tom Sykes retains WSBK lead with run to third after his race one DNF
Marco Melandri has reignited his World Superbike Championship title hopes with a mighty double victory in Sepang after prevailing in a thrilling final lap showdown over his team-mate Sylvain Guintoli.
Having sealed his first win of the season in race one, Melandri stalked his way into contention in a shortened second race, his charge to the front culminating in a thrilling final lap battle with long-time leader Guintoli.
With the Frenchman leading into the last revolution, Melandri twice attempted to wrest the advantage over the course of the lap, but it would be Guintoli’s ill-judged attempt to grab the lead at the final corner that would ultimately open the door for his counterpart to secure the spoils.
Following the drama of his race one clash with team-mate Loris Baz, Tom Sykes recovered to finish in third position, the Kawasaki rider doing enough to ensure he remains the WSBK series leader, albeit reduced to 13 points.
Toni Elias picked up another fourth place finish, ahead of Baz and Jonathan Rea.
