Troy Bayliss has won the first race of the 2008 World Superbike Championship with an incredible win on the thunderous new 1098 v-twin Ducati.

The Australian, who fractured his collarbone in a testing accident just over a month ago, rode out of his skin to secure the victory over Max Biaggi's similar 1098 Duke.

After a poor start, Bayliss worked his way into the lead from eighth on the first lap, despite a few trips across the astroturf and sand at the dusty Losail track in Qatar.

It was a determined, bludgeoning victory for Troy - arguably one of the greatest in superbike history. Bayliss took the lead on the penultimate corner but Biaggi immediately struck back, only to run wide on the final bend. Cheekily, Bayliss looked over his shoulder at Biaggi as he nipped back past the Italian to take the win.

Third went to poleman Troy Corser on the Yamaha, while Ruben Xaus made it three Ducati 1098s in the top four.

Fonsi Nieto took victory in Race 2 on his Suzuki ahead of fellow Spaniard Ruben Xaus. Biaggi finished third with Bayliss fourth.

Race 2 saw five of the new 1098 Ducatis finish in the top six - the Japanese 1000cc four-cylinder mob will not be happy about the early form of their new Italian rival...

Nick Trott