After several excellent winter tests, Baz and Ten Kate Racing Yamaha were scheduled for the opening race of the season at the 4.445km seaside circuit.
After qualifying seventh earlier in the day, Baz had an excellent start to the race. The Frenchman managed to hold his own in the first group until he was pushed off the track at turn one on the Australian circuit and lost some time.
From eleventh position Baz had to fight back to the front. With excellent lap times the Yamaha rider managed to make up for a few more places during the remainder of the race and finally crossed the finish line in seventh place. With seventh place the Ten Kate Racing Yamaha rider was able to report to the parc-ferme after the race, because of the result as best classified Independent Team rider.