World Superbikes » Xaus shows off his Sunday best.

Monday, 30th June 2008

Ruben Xaus produces one of his best ever World Superbike performances with a first win of the season at Misano - no doubt impressing future employers BMW.

Ruben Xaus celebrated the news that he will defect to BMW in 2009 with his first World Superbike victory of the season at Misano.

A superb end to a weekend that arguably saw Xaus prove his most competitive since the season opener in Qatar, the Spaniard also led a first 1-2 result of the year for the Sterilgarda Ducati outfit.

Coming just days after revealing he will end his relationship with Ducati at the end of the season in search of greater success with the newcomers BMW, Xaus was on top form during the first race after leading briefly.

However, once in front he couldn't do much to restrain a charging Max Neukirchner and Troy Corser, Xaus eventually having to settle for fourth behind Troy Bayliss as well. Still, fourth was at least his best result since the first round at Losail.

Nonetheless, Xaus remained positive for the second race and after taking an early lead over Bayliss and Corser, held on for his first win since Valencia in 2007. Managing it in front of his adopted home crowd, Xaus was thrilled with the result.

“Today's win is special to me: I fought against the rider I have learnt more from, a hardcase as only Troy Bayliss can be. I did it in Italy in front of the people which I consider to be ‘my' followers and I gave a big result to my team.

“After having come close to the podium several times and got the fourth position four times, I wanted the win and I powered to all my determination to get it. The second start has been the worst of the day but I have immediately recovered.

“Then, in the last part of the race, I felt I was able to get a good result, I recovered on the heading duo, I passed them and then I got my win.”