The 30-year-old Australian completed the 412km special stage around Al Duwadimi on his KTM in 4 hours 10 minutes 33 seconds, finishing 3min 36sec ahead of 19-year-old Spaniard Edgar Canet.

There will be a significant adjustment period for some, no doubt, and perhaps some extra challenges for Motorcycling ...

ASBK season welcomes SW-Motech into the paddock as the naming rights partner for the premier Superbike class this year.