Image: Supplied.

Teenager Billy Van Eerde has claimed a popular victory in the opening round of the 2018 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup, becoming the first Australian to win a race in the grand prix development series.

After qualifying sixth, Van Eerde finished 11th in race one before scoring a stunning win in race two on Sunday alongside the MotoGP opener at Losail Circuit, Qatar.

In a photo-finish, the current Australian Supersport 300 champion (Over 300) edged Haruki Noguchi across the line, elevating him to second in the championship standings following the opening round. It was a special result for one of the most highly-rated young riders to come out of the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) development tiers.

“The race was very interesting,” commented Asia Talent Cup director Alberto Puig. “I think a little more interesting than yesterday because there were more riders in the top group. It was nice to see an Australian winning an Asia Talent Cup race for first time race.

“Noguchi is probably the most experienced rider, but I’m happy because from yesterday to today they improved the lap-times and there were more guys in the top group. We are pleased and now we move to Thailand for the next race at Buriram.”

Fellow Australian Senna Agius also made an impressive debut, going 13-6 across the two races, while after qualifying 11th, Ben Baker unfortunately crashed out of race one and was forced to retire from the second.

Round two of the Asia Talent Cup will move directly onto Buriram in Thailand this weekend between 23-25 March alongside round two of the Superbike World Championship.