With only 14 days to go to the opening weekend of the MotoGP season, the World Supersport and World Superbike Series began theirs at Qatar’s Losail International circuit last weekend. And what a weekend it was for DC chains and AFAM sprockets!

HANNspree ten Kate Honda's James Toseland pushes his DC chains driven Honda to victory in race 2

World Superbike Championship:
Toseland secures race win in double podium opener.

HANNspree Ten Kate Honda rider James Toseland leaves the opening round of the 2007 World Superbike Championship at the top of the standings on equal points with Alstare System Suzuki’s Max Biaggi. British contender Toseland finished in second and first positions respectively at the championship's first event in Qatar today to secure 45 points and the joint lead in the series.
Race one at the 5.4km Losail International Circuit saw the 25-year-old pull away from the chasing pack in the early stages before entering a nail-biting battle for victory with experienced Italian rider Biaggi. The youngest-ever World Superbike Champion and former MotoGP rider swapped places more than half a dozen times in an exhilarating cat and mouse chase. Toseland held fast until lap 13 when Biaggi slipped past to push him into second place on the podium.
HANNspree ten Kate’s other rider Robby Rolfo (Italy) was less fortunate than his team mate, ending the race in 7th place while Team Sterilgarda GMB rider Ruben Xaus finished the first race on a very decent 9th spot on his 2006 Ducati 2006.

Full Results Race One:

Race two was a different story for HANNspree Ten Kate Honda's Toseland as he settled into the lead from the first lap and refused to let go of the advantage. He led the second 18-lap race from start to finish for a convincing and comfortable win. At one stage Toseland had even extended his lead over race one winner Max Biaggi to 2.1 seconds. Biaggi closed in on the final two laps, but Toseland maintained position and crossed the line more than half a second ahead of his rival. Young Italian team mate Rolfo had a problem with the clutch that forced him to retire from the race early on. Third officially AFAM supported rider Xaus concluded his Qatar race weekend with a very hopeful 10th place in race 2.

Sterilgard GMB's Ruben Xaus struggling to make it into top 10

Full Results Race Two:

Championship points after round 1:

Next race is at Philip Island in Australia on March 4th.