Source: Phillip Island Circuit.

Rivamoto Honda’s Bryan Staring believes he could have been in for a top five finish during Sunday’s opening World Supersport round of the season.

The former multiple-time Australian champion qualified 10th and was in a confident frame of mind during the race, however clutch slippage in the five lap dash following a red flag caused a disappointing DNF.

Fresh from a season in MotoGP on an uncompetitive CRT entry, Staring is taking positives from early progress made at Phillip Island, understanding its a long season ahead.

“I did not get involved in the fight in the race and I was struggling in one area of the track,” Staring said. “I could not keep myself in the game down the straights. That made it difficult even in the first start, but I was just unlucky today.

“Even though the first start was not great I am sure I would have been in contention for a top five had the race not been restarted. Anyway, that is how it goes… the second start maybe fried the clutch.

“It was okay for the next lap but after that it was over. It was a pretty heartbreaking first round, but it is a long year and we will move on.”

Countryman Billy McConnell was also a non-finisher after crashing his Triumph, handing top Australian honours to privateer Yamaha wildcard Ryan Taylor in 16th.