With strong winds sweeping across the Island and dark clouds looming, teams faced the ultimate gamble; commit to wet tyres, or predict that the wind would dry the circuit quickly enough for slicks to come into play.

At the front, Bulega controlled the closing laps to secure his 22nd career WorldSBK victory. Behind him, Bassani and Lowes delivered a strong response for Bimota with a 2-3 finish, the final podium position decided by the narrowest of margins at the line.

“I had to stay very focused because I knew that I had a very good pace, but during the race anything can happen, especially during Phillip Island. The conditions can change in 10 minutes.