The all-conquering pair ended last season with victory on the Austrian track and started this campaign in similar fashion.

Pilot Friedrich triumphed in both the two-man and four-man disciplines to win the men’s overall World Cup titles last term and will be determined to retain those crowns.

Teaming up with Schueller, the duo produced the two best runs, finishing in 51.27sec and 51.58 to register a combined time of 1min 42.85sec.

They finished ahead of compatriots Johannes Lochner and Florian Bauer who had to settle for silver with 1:43.32.

Britain’s Brad Hall and Greg Cackett came third with 1:43.48 as Canada’s Justin Kripps and Cam Stones fell 0.0sec1 short of a medal.

There was an American one-two in the Women’s Monobob World Series event also held in Innsbruck.

Elana Meyers Taylor clocked 55.25 in both runs to claim victory with 1:50.50 as Kaillie Humphries came second with 1:50.63.

World bronze medallist Laura Nolte of Germany was tied for the lead after the first run but dropped to third with a final time of 1:50.64.

"It feels really good to come out to take the win today and it feels awesome to have two US drivers in the medals," said Meyers Taylor.

"This track and this field always make for tight racing, and it’s fun. 

"While I would love to have a huge lead, I really like it when races are close like this."

Competition is due to continue tomorrow with the two-woman and four-man bobsleigh events.