The first race of the 2019 WorldSBK season at Phillip Island culminated in a titanic last lap battle between Pata Yamaha WorldSBK rider, Alex Lowes, and GRT Yamaha Supported WorldSBK rider, Marco Melandri, for the final podium position. The two riders swapped positions four times on the final lap alone, with Melandri eventually gaining the advantage with a pass at the final corner to claim third and to secure the GRT Yamaha team a first podium finish on their WorldSBK debut. Michael van der Mark declared himself satisfied with fifth position today, having had to contend with rapidly deteriorating grip in the closing stages of the race. Sandro Cortese, making his WorldSBK race debut in Phillip Island, finished in a creditable eighth position to ensure all four Yamahas were inside the top eight.