The first race of the Superbike World Championships will be held on Phillip Island circuit in Australia, from 26th to 28th February 2010. Phillip Island, the self-styled home of the Australian motorsports, is steeped in motor racing with the first car races having been held there on public roads in the 1920s. The circuit is blessed with breathtaking scenery and beautiful ocean views and it continues to provide some of the most spectacular racing in the Superbike seasons. Althea racing team’s performed two day of test on the Australian circuit, one week before the first world championship races and all the team are happy about the improvements in the set up of their machines. Carlos Checa and Shane Byrne have found the two day of test of benefit and they look forward to the first races of the 2010 championship. Circuit main characteristics : Length : m.4.445 Pole Position : left Width : m.13 Longest straight : m.835 Left turns : 7 Right turns : 5 Superbike best lap : 1,31,050 Regis Laconi 2009 Superbike super pole record : 1,31,069 Ben Spies 2009 Superbike race lap record : 1,31,826 – Troy Corser 2007 Carlos Checa : “Phillip Island it’s one of the best tracks in the world and I always look forward to riding here. We tested on this circuit only few days ago and we were able to find a good base set-up. Certainly it will be an hard fought competition, but I am very happy with my new team and with my Ducati bike and so I am looking forward to finally get started”. Shane Byrne : “I like this track. It’s very fast and flowing, which normally makes for close racing in the Superbike category. Hopefully we can have some good weather to find a good setting for the bike and make the most of our Ducati package. The tests last weekend went well and we’ll continue to test various things on Friday in preparation for Sunday’s races. I’m extremely happy with the bike and the team is working really well and I can’t wait to get started.”