Short, fast, sweeping, unpredictable, undulating, breath-taking, 4.4km of pure adrenaline. Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is the perfect backdrop for the opening round of the 2018 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, and it’s set to be a season to remember. Everything restarts here, and if previous experience is anything to go by, we will be treated to a weekend of remarkable racing action to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The man with the target on his back is reigning world champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team), who has won five out of the last six races around Phillip Island. Already impressing with his pace throughout the two day Official test in Australia, it is difficult to look past Rea as a podium finisher this weekend. Despite suffering from three crashes over the two days, he heads into the first round of the season after working through all of his testing regime and is ready for the battle. British team-mate Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) could be the dark horse this year, as he prepares for his ninth season with the Provec squad. Heading into 2018 with a clear mind and determined attitude, he explains he feels stronger than last season, especially following the pre-season tests on the green machine. Never winning around the Australian circuit, Sykes was on pole in 2016 and has only taken three podiums here – but with a strong two days at the Official test it would be hard to rule him out.
Over in the red corner, Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) has been spending his winter nursing an injury sustained in the Jerez test back in November. Struggling slightly with the set up of his Panigale R throughout the winter, the newly-wed is hoping to find some magic ahead of the weekend. Finishing on the podium on half of his appearances around the 4.4km circuit, Davies is yet to win despite being involved in some sensational battles – most notably the one to the line last season. Whilst Marco Melandri (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) had a stronger official test to start the week, and with victorious memories of the circuit from his time in the 125cc and 250cc World Championships, he will no doubt go into the race with a positive outlook. Making his return to the series here last season in which he took a podium finish, he clearly has the pace and a strong mindset should help ahead of the weekend.
With podium finishes to his name in Australia in both WorldSSP and WorldSBK, Michael van der Mark (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team) has been building a solid pace with his YZF-R1 throughout the two day test, with a good pace the first and final sectors of the track. One of seven circuits he has taken a WorldSBK podium around, he will be hoping to make a big impact for the start of 2018. Whilst Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team) is working to continue with the podium pace he acquired last season, and despite being locked in a stunning top three battle in 2017, he is yet to take home a trophy from Australia.
An all new line up welcomes all new challenges for the Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team, as Leon Camier and Jake Gagne prepare to battle on the Fireblade CBR1000RR SP2 machines. Impressing with a strong pre-season pace so far since first swinging his leg over the bike, Camier may not be confident of having the race pace yet, but he is showing positive signs on the machine. Taking a best result of fifth position around the circuit, the British rider will have a challenging weekend ahead, whilst team-mate Gagne will be hoping to make a solid and steady start to his first appearance as a permenant WorldSBK rider.
Returning to the WorldSBK paddock for the first time since 2014, Loris Baz (GULF Althea BMW Racing Team) is ready for a challenging but enjoyable season. Starting to understand the German machine, he had a strong two day test in Australia and will be eager to quickly adjust to the Pirelli tyres and be fighting for some strong positions. Positive memories from 2014 will surely follow the 25 year old, after he secured a podium with Kawasaki, Down Under.
After a difficult two day test, Jordi Torres (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) will be wanting to put the opening day behind him. The Spanish rider crashed at 190kph but bounced back up and will continue to work with his new team as they try to develop the Italian machine. Taking a fourth position here back in 2015, Torres has plenty of experience Down Under to help his adjust to his new bike.
Riders will take to the track on Friday 23rd February for the first free practice of the 2018 season at 9.45 LT (+11), ahead of the opening race on Saturday at 15.00, before the lights go out for the second race of the weekend on Sunday at 15.00.
More, from another press release issued by Dorna WSBK Press Office:
Pure fan entertainment guaranteed for #AUSWorldSBK
Not a minute to be missed Down Under
Preparing for the stunning opening round of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship Down Under, anticipation fills the air as fans get ready for a phenomenal weekend ahead. For the first time ever, fans who purchase a three day ticket will be granted access into the paddock for free, which enables them to gain behind the scenes access to their favourite Superbike stars.
The world famous Paddock Show will once again be a main attraction throughout the Yamaha Finance Australian Round, and is set to be bigger and better than ever before. With opening day show’s, meet and greets, team manager chat shows and the ever popular SuperShow you won’t want to miss the on-stage action once bikes are back in their boxes. On top of this, all new for 2018 will be the Party in the Paddock on Saturday night, and the all exclusive parc ferme in the paddock. Minutes after the chequered flags are waved, the podium finishing machines will ride through the paddock and celebrate with their teams at the all new Parc Ferme next to the paddock show, bringing in even more access to the fans.
Not only will access to the paddock be free with a three day ticket, but there will also be the Super Zone located next to the Gardner Straight. Offering fun for the whole family, it will keep everyone entertained when bikes aren’t on track. Inflatable slides, planes and much more will all be on offer for free.
Another way you won’t have to put your hand in your pocket will be to have a test ride with the electric motorbikes, as you begin to experience a new type of exhilarating motorbike. After trialling the future just near the kids super zone, then you can take a look at the past with the WorldSBK Expo. A regular and very popular highlight over the weekend, it is located in the exhibition building alongside the Gardner Straight. Open from 9:00 to 18:00 h Friday, 8:00 to 18:00 h Saturday and 8:00 to 17:00 h Sunday, there will be plenty of time to witness some WorldSBK history. There will also be a special Italian GP motorcycle collection to feast your eyes on, located at the visitor centre.
Embrace your inner child with the brand new Go Karts, which can be raced around a mini version of the phenomenal Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit throughout the weekend. On top of this there will be a race simulator to use, which you can trial wearing your new merchandise available to purchase around the circuit. On top of this, get a full taste for the size and scale of the Southern Australian circuit with a special helicopter flight.
Ever popular with fans and riders alike, the Pit Walk will be back for 2018 and with three sessions available it will be hard to miss it. There will only be access only with a Pit Walk Pass, which can be purchased from the Event Information Office locate at the base of the pedestrian overpass on Gardner Straight. See inside the riders garage and secure an autograph from your favourite rider throughout the weekend to start 2018 in style.
The Yamaha Finance Australian Round won´t leave anyone disappointed with more fun and action than ever before.
More, from a press release issued by Gulf Althea BMW:
All systems go for Gulf Althea BMW
Phillip Island (Australia), Wednesday 21 February 2018
With final testing having concluded just yesterday, the Gulf Althea BMW Racing Team feels well prepared for the 2018 Superbike World Championship which will open this weekend at the Australian circuit of Phillip Island.
Rider Loris Baz, who is back in the production-derived series after several seasons in MotoGP, has worked hard with the team in preparation for his highly-anticipated return. Almost all SBK riders enjoy racing at the Australian track, Loris included; the Frenchman reached the podium on his last Superbike appearance at the Island, finishing second in race 2 in 2014. It’s safe to say that the team likes it too, in that Althea Racing won four races at the Island with Carlos Checa, between 2010 and 2012.
The circuit, officially inaugurated in 1956, is located roughly 140 km south of Melbourne and boasts a spectacular location, with the ocean as its backdrop. It’s no coincidence that the SBK curtain traditionally goes up at this very track each year.
A small change to the weekend’s schedule in 2018 will see riders take to the track for a third timed practice session on Friday, while Saturday and Sunday’s sessions/races remain unchanged.
“The test was very useful, giving us the chance to make some final changes and prepare for the races. I can say I’m feeling confident ahead of the upcoming weekend. On Friday, I’d like to try and reduce the gap to the fastest guys and then we’ll see what we’re able to do on Saturday. Honestly, I cannot wait to get started!”
More, from a press release issued by Pata Yamaha:
Pata Yamaha Primed for Phillip Island Opener
The Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team concluded a positive preseason at the official two-day Phillip Island test on Tuesday and feel ready for the opening round of the 2018 FIM Superbike World Championship at the same venue this weekend. After impressing in private tests at Portimao and Jerez, the team continued the good work in Australia with hardly anything to separate Michael van der Mark and Alex Lowes, who finished in sixth and seventh respectively on the overall timesheets, after focussing on race setup and tyre life for the first round of the season.
It has been a busy winter for the team and the riders arrived in Philip Island after attending the Yamaha Motorsports Media Conference in Thailand. They were the guests of Yamaha Motor Corporation and not only got a chance to meet the passionate fans in the region but also to showcase the 2018 Pata Yamaha WorldSBK livery alongside the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team of Valentino Rossi and Maverick Viñales.
Two days of testing followed at Phillip Island, with the team having a busy workload to get through before the beginning of the 2018 season. Michael van der Mark continued his excellent preseason form, ending the test in sixth overall with a best time of 1:31.131 after completing 141 laps over the course of the two days. The 2014 WorldSSP Champion is beginning his second year with Yamaha, having impressed in 2017 with podiums at Portimao and Magny-Cours and finishing sixth overall in the championship standings. For 2018 van der Mark is determined to continue his superb progress with the Pata Yamaha R1 and establish himself as a consistent challenger for the race win. After two top-ten finishes in 2017 at Phillip Island on his debut for the team, van der Mark is looking forward to kicking off his 2018 season at a venue he recorded a double podium at in 2016.
Alex Lowes finished 2017 in fifth overall in the championship after recording four rostrums and establishing himself as a regular podium contender. The 27-year-old British rider has also enjoyed a positive preseason. After impressing at Jerez and Portimao, he arrived at Phillip Island focused on finding a good setup up for the opening race weekend of the year. Completing 143 laps, he ended the two-day test in seventh overall, just behind his teammate with a 1:31.370 after putting in a number of long runs on a variety of tyres, collecting a huge amount of data for the team in an effort to ensure he has the best possible feeling with his Pata Yamaha R1. The 2013 British Superbike Champion likes the Phillip Island circuit, known to reward brave riders, and is looking to build on the promise he showed at the venue last year where he led both races and fought for the victory before securing two fourth-place finishes.
After a long winter, the season is finally upon us and the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team kick off the 2018 FIM Superbike World Championship on Friday at 9:45 am local time with Free Practice 1.
Michael van der Mark
Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team
“We have finished two-days testing here in Phillip Island! It was a good test, the first day was really windy but it is always nice to ride this track and get up to speed. We were quite fast from the start, then during the day, we tried to find the right direction with the setup and we ended up quite fast. On the second day, there was less wind, it was a bit warmer and we were immediately quicker, which was really positive. We tried many things on Tuesday. We had two different bikes, with two different setups, which allowed us to test them back to back and compare. We were really consistent. We need to find a couple of tenths but after a long run, we changed some important details on the R1and I felt a lot better, the bike was easier to ride and I went faster as well. It has been a great test, now we just have to wait for the race week to start. It has been a long winter, I cannot wait to start racing again!”
Alex Lowes
Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team
“We have just finished the last two days of official testing here at Philip Island, and I can’t wait for the WorldSBK Championship to kick off this weekend. Testing has gone pretty well, we had a tricky time trying to find the right feeling with the bike in some parts of the track, but on Tuesday we made some really big steps. We have a lot of information to look over before the weekend and we’ve completed two full race simulations on the tyre options available. Some were positive, some were negative, and I believe we now have as much information, data, and knowledge as anyone, so it is down to us now to put it all into practice and kick the 2018 season off in the best way possible for Yamaha and myself by fighting for the win!”
Paul Denning
Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team Principal
“It has been a really solid, positive two-day test here in Phillip Island! It is so easy to make a mistake at this track and because the track is so fast, and with the test just days before the first race, you can end up ruining the start to the season. Therefore, the key focus for us was just to be consistent, safe, and to develop the Pata Yamaha R1 for the race weekend.. In the end, we showed good consistency, decent pace, and both sides of the garage are feeling confident ahead of the race weekend. At Phillip Island, the riders know the race is decided on lap 22 not lap 2, so both worked hard to find a good setup to allow them to compete for the full race distance and we are now looking forward to starting the 2018 season!”