Jonathan Rea comes from ninth to win again at Phillip Island

Rea had taken victory in the season-opening race on Saturday, but was up against it in Race Two thanks to starting back in ninth position on the grid thanks to under new formation guidelines.

But the reigning World Champion backed up his form in testing to beat Ducati riders Chaz Davies and Marco Melandri to the line.

“It’s incredible,” Rea said. “To win the first race under the new grid regulation is really nice, especially as it penalised me the most yesterday for winning. This is the best way to start my championship campaign, and I’m looking forward to the next few races.

"Phillip Island is notorious for not being able to get away and having to win on last lap battles, and I came out on top in two of them this weekend and that’s really special.

“I can’t tell you how difficult that is, Chaz was riding really well and a massive hats off to Marco because he had a great pace in the middle of the race. I knew if it came down to a last lap battle that Chaz would be there. To win like this makes me even prouder; it’s nice to start the season this way and it gives me some confidence going forward.”