Can had genuine ambitions to fight at the front of the race despite starting from the fourth row of the grid, but his race lasted only two corners after a rival crashed into him.

Öncü got back onto his machine to try and rejoin the race but after entering pitlane for checks and repairs to his machine he was forced to retire. He now waits for a chance to score his first points of the year in Race Two on Sunday.

Can Öncü, stated: “I’m disappointed and very sorry about what happened today. Unfortunately, a rider hit me through one of the first corners and caused me to crash. The bike was damaged in the incident and so I couldn’t continue. A real pity because I’d made a good start and had the pace to score a good result. I can’t wait for tomorrow when I already have chance to make up for the disappointment of today. I’ll do all I can to give the team the best possible result.”

Marcel Brenner (Viamo Racing Kawasaki) started the race from 18th place on the grid after Superpole qualifying on Friday, but improved his position in the two-part race two 13th, scoring valuable championship points first time out.

Hikari Okubo (Vince 64 Kawasaki) eventually retired from the race after crashing at Turn Four. He returned to the pits for repairs but could not continue.

The second Phillip Island race for the WorldSSP riders will take place on Sunday 25 February, and will again be a two-part affair over 18 laps, with a mandatory tyre change stop.

                                                 #NinjaSpirit