Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) and the rest of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship grid now look ahead to the season-opening Australian Round set to kick off this weekend. Iannone is looking forward to his second WorldSBK campaign and challenging for the Best Independent Rider spot in which he will face tough competition from Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team), who claimed that honour in 2024. ‘Petrux’ has had a quite fast pre-season as well and there was little to separate the two Italians on the final day of testing at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

From Iannone’s GoEleven Ducati camp, while it has been an offseason of hard work for both he and his team, they enjoy the luxury of not implementing major mechanical changes to the bike. 2025 will only be Iannone’s second season in WorldSBK, he has proven that he can win races in WorldSBK as he did in 2024 in Aragon’s Race 1. These factors have meant that while poor weather in Jerez, Portimao, and now in the final session in Australia, they have had comparatively less ground to cover in their testing regimen. Iannone seems happy with where he and the team have got their package, even going as far as to say that he dreams of being in the fight for the top two positions in the Riders’ Championship.

“It has not been a bad start, P2 today, P2 yesterday, like I said before I think we will start in good shape,” said Iannone. “It has been a difficult winter because the weather has not been on our side but, in any case, this is the same for everybody and we will try to make the most of what time we have had. I think I’ve done well this pre-season, at Jerez I also finished second like here, so maybe my dream should be that I can finish second in the Championship; it’s not bad for a private team, a private rider, maybe second this year will be our lucky number. We need to try to improve and get the best results possible.”

Petrucci enjoys many of these same soft factors like a lack of major changes to the bike or his team, and in many ways this may prove a benefit for the defending Best Independent Rider, however he was quick to emphasise the chaotic nature of this season’s wide distribution of talent around the grid, and how that may pose a threat to his Top Independent title defence with so many Independent riders on track.

Reflecting on his test and explaining the battle he expects to see during the Australian Round, Petrucci said: “It was good, it’s been a good test. From Monday, I found a good feeling with the bike so I’m feeling positive for the weekend. The battle is tight. There are seven or eight riders who can fight for the podium. I think Bulega has something more at this moment but, regarding the top ten riders, I think all of them can stand on the podium. I’m feeling good with the bike. I can push when I want, and this is a good feeling for the weekend.”

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Source: WorldSBK.com

Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC) finished as Honda’s lead rider on Day 2 of the Official Test for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship field with the #97 securing a top-ten position on the final day of pre-season testing before this weekend’s season-opening Australian Round. The Spanish star will be hoping his pace can translate into being in the rostrum fight after he and his team worked on the electronics of his CBR1000RR-R as well as the flag-to-flag process, with Race 1 and Race 2 in Australia set to have mandatory pit stops.

Vierge’s best lap time on Day 2, like the majority of the field, came in FP3. It was set on his 19^th lap when he posted a 1’29.812s. In total, he completed six stints with the longest being eight laps in length. Seven of the laps could be considered representative, with all bar two of those seven in the 1’30s bracket. A 1’34.790s in the middle of the run could be discarded as not representative, while he posted a 1’31.550s on the penultimate lap of the run and a 1’29.950s on the final lap. His best time came in the third stint which was four laps long, although two laps could be ignored due to the big differential to the other two, when he posted a 1’30.001s and a 1’29.812s.

In total, the Honda had 13 laps in the 1’30s bracket as he worked on the electronics of his machine and continued adapting to the Ohlins suspension the Japanese manufacturer are now running. Despite poor weather impacting tests at both Jerez and Portimao prior to the paddock making the trip to Australia, Honda were able to use rain to test their new suspension and other components as they look to start the year how they ended 2024 after concluding last season in the rostrum hunt.

Reflecting on his test in Australia, Vierge said: “It’s been two positive days. 80% of the time, we had good conditions, which has been important for us because we had a lot of jobs to do. I’m happy because we made good progress in these days. We focused a lot on the electronics side, and we found some things. Here, tyre durability is super important, so we were focused on that and I’m quite happy with the job we’ve done.”

Honda had a difficult start to the 2024 season but were able to turn their fortunes around as the season progressed, becoming regular top-ten finishers in the middle part of the campaign and secured a podium at Estoril with Vierge’s teammate, Iker Lecuona. One question that’s been asked of Honda is whether they can start this year how they ended last season and, based on limited dry testing, it looks like they have passed that test with flying colours. The goal for them now will be to make steps as they did last season and turn those regular top-ten finishes into top-five results and fight for podiums more often.

Discussing Honda’s targets for the upcoming campaign, the Barcelona-born star said: “We need to be fighting for podiums as soon as possible. We are working super hard. The end of last season was good and the goal is start where we finished last year and built up for that. I think that’s what we’re doing right now. We’ll give our best in every race weekend to be fighting for those positions as soon as possible. The reality is that there or three or four riders that look like they’re in another level, but then I believe we can be one of the second group. We’ll work hard during these days to see if we’re able to find something more, and of course, in Australia, you never know; the weather changes a lot, also it’ll be a bit of a gamble with the flag-to-flag races. We’ll try to take profit of any opportunity we have.”

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Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) continued to show impressive form during Day 2 of the Official Test for the FIM Supersport World Championship field as he lapped more than half-a-second clear of surprise package Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura). The Spanish rookie took P2 as he showed a glimpse of his early potential at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

DUTCHMAN BENDSNEYDER RAPID: Dutchman fastest as rookies shine

Bendsneyder made it two for two in Australia’s testing days, recording a thunderous P1 with the fastest lap of the test; setting a 1’31.595 with another very strong performance for Bendsneyder, raising his stock even higher. Spanish star Masia has dropped into the WorldSSP paddock this off-season and has made a name for himself already in testing, finishing P5 on Day 1 and now P2 on Day 2, holding P1 until minutes before the end of the session on the back of a 1’32.129s. Valentin Debise (Renzi Corse) rounded out the would-be rostrum for the second time in two days with a 1’32.332s. Once again he was the second fastest Ducati, but last year’s fourth-place finisher looks like a Championship contender if he keeps this pace up.

P4 FOR YAMAHA: Oncu the quickest R9 rider, Farioli takes sixth

Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Racing) broke into the top four, improving on his P13 finish on Day 1 with a 1’32.387s lap. Germany’s Marcel Schroetter (WRP Racing) claimed P5 on Day 2, riding his Panigale V2 for a personal best on the day of 1’32.433. In sixth, Filippo Farioli joined his MV Agusta Reparto Corse teammate Bendsneyder in the top six on the back of his 1’32.544s lap.

HOME HERO IN THE TOP SEVEN: Bayliss takes seventh, Cardelus in the top ten

Oli Bayliss came in at P7 with his 1’32.557s lap, an improvement on his Day 1 best of 1’33.563s. 2024 WorldSSP Championship runner-up Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) landed in P8, riding his new Yamaha R9 for a fastest lap on the day of 1’32.602s. Lucas Mahias (GMT94-YAMAHA) placed the same as he placed in Monday afternoon’s FP2, in P9, with a 1’32.687s lap. Xavi Cardelus (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) improved from a P16 finish on Day 1, claiming a top 10 spot with a personal best on the day of 1’32.730s.

The top six from Day 2, FULL RESULTS HERE!

1 Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) 1’31.595s, 51 laps

2. Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) +0.534s, 46 laps

3. Valentin Debise (Renzi Corse) +0.737s, 45 laps

4. Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Racing) +0.792s, 58 laps

5. Marcel Schroetter (WRP Racing) +0.838s, 49 laps

6. Filippo Farioli (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) +0.949s, 65 laps

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Source: WorldSBK.com

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) has been the star of the Official Test show at the picturesque Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit as he topped all four test sessions. Not only was the #11’s raw speed on show throughout but his consistency was too, often putting together stints that had little variation in the times as he built towards this weekend’s season-opener for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship at the legendary Australian venue.

In Monday’s opening session, Bulega posted a 1’29.454s with 36 laps completed before improving to a 1’28.765s with another 35 laps under his belt to take his tally for Day 1 to 71 laps, including in and out laps, and the only rider to lap in the 1’28s bracket. That theme continued on Day 2 in the third practice session as he racked up 36 laps and posted a 1’28.680s; again, he was the only rider in the 1’28s bracket. The final session was a rain-affected affair with ‘Bulegas’ not heading out until the final 10 minutes, when the track was at its driest.

Although he completed minimal laps, Bulega still ended the session quickest after setting a 1’29.133s although he did have a faster lap cancelled after the red flags were shown for a crash at Turn 3 for home hero Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team). That lap was a 1’28.826s which would have been two tenths slower than his fastest time of the test but would have also made it three out of four sessions where he lapped in the 1’28s bracket.

Discussing his test and finding gains between Day 1 and Day 2, the 2024 Championship runner-up said: “It was good. I improved the feeling from Monday, which was already good. I think we have a good package to start this race weekend and I’m happy with the feeling with the bike. Everything is working well for the moment. I know we have to improve again but, from Day 1, I improved a little bit and if we can make another small step, it’s good.”

Not only was Bulega’s raw speed impressive, so was his race pace across all three dry sessions. In those sessions, the Italian rider completed 79 flying laps (discounting in and out laps), and 70 of those – including cancelled laps for yellow flags – were either in the 1’30s, 1’29s, or 1’28s bracket. Five made up the 1’28s bracket and 16 in the 1’30s, leaving a huge 49 for the 1’29s and he was often, especially in FP2 and FP3, stringing these laps together for a potential race simulation and to give a glimpse of what he could be capable of if the race weekend is dry.

In FP1, he did two nine-lap stints and, while the times varied in the first of the two runs, in the second he was much more consistent as he posted seven laps in the 1’29s, starting and ending the run in the 1’30s. His longest stint in FP2 was eight laps and he gradually found speed, improving from a 1’31.234s to a 1’29.609s on the third-last lap. In FP3, he did four five-lap bursts, with only four laps not in the 1’29s or faster.

When asked whether his rivals should be scared given his pace and consistency across the test, Bulega replied: “No. Testing is nothing. It’s good to have a good feeling but you don’t take points during the test. We’ll see during the race weekend. Starting like this is very good. I will start the weekend very positively and try to stay at the front.”

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Source: WorldSBK.com

The iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit has been a mainstay on the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship calendar and has often produced some of the closest racing. 18 races across the circuit’s WorldSBK history have been decided by less than a tenth, giving fans some thrilling action to enjoy from Down Under. Until the 2024 Estoril Round, the Australian venue also had the honour of hosting the closest finish ever, at 0.004s. With the Australian Round just around the corner, take a trip down memory lane for some of the epic races decided by the barest of margins at Phillip Island.

RACE 1, 2010 – THE SECOND CLOSEST FINISH OF ALL TIME

0.004s was the gap back in Race 1 in 2010 when Leon Haslam and Michel Fabrizio went head-to-head Down Under, previously the closest finish in WorldSBK history until last year. Haslam led through the final lap and into the last sector, but Fabrizio was able to close up on the Brit’s rear wheel through the final two corners, creating a drag race to the line. Haslam just held on to win the race for Suzuki ahead of Fabrizio’s Ducati.

RACE 2, 1999 – CORSER FENDS OFF FOGARTY FOR HOME WIN

Heading back to 1999 and this time the gap was just 0.005s as Troy Corser and Carl Fogarty led a Ducati 1-2 at Phillip Island. Corser was aiming for his second win on home soil after his 1995 win, but ‘Foggy’ had other ideas. Running the #1, Fogarty was behind heading into the final two corners as he chased down Corser, with the #11 going wide at Turn 10 allowing the Brit through. It wasn’t the end of the story though as Corser got a superb run through the final corner and used the slipstream to take victory by just 0.005s.

RACE 1, 2020 – RAZGATLIOGLU’S FIRST YAMAHA WIN

Throwing it back to 2020 for the first of two times in the top ten, when four riders were separated by 0.137s across the line – from three manufacturers – and the top two were just 0.007s apart. It was a battle for the win between two riders in their first race for a new manufacturer, with Toprak Razgatlioglu making his Yamaha debut and Alex Lowes on the Kawasaki for the first time in a race. ‘El Turco’ just came out on top ahead of the #22 to take his first victory for Yamaha, denying Lowes a dream Kawasaki debut.

RACE 2, 2015 – HASLAM VS REA IN A BRITISH 1-2-3-4

Haslam made a bit of a habit of winning close races at Phillip Island, taking victory in Race 2 back in 2015 by 0.010s – more than double the margin of his victory in 2010. This time, he was fending off Jonathan Rea on the Kawasaki for victory, although Chaz Davies was close by on his Ducati too – less than three tenths separated the trio riding for three different manufacturers. It was a British 1-2-3-4 too with Tom Sykes claiming fourth place, although he wasn’t in the lead battle.

RACE 2, 2018 – MELANDRI PIPS REA BY 0.021s

2018 was a Ducati vs Kawasaki showdown on ‘The Island’ as Marco Melandri and Rea went head-to-head. The #1 Kawasaki led through the opening sector of the final lap but Melandri and Xavi Fores were close behind and Rea looked to have a gap heading into the final two corners, but Melandri got a sensational exit onto the start-finish straight to just pip the then three-time Champion to victory by 0.021s.

RACE 2, 2017 – ANOTHER DUCATI VS KAWASAKI BATTLE

2018 Race 2 and 2017 Race 2 were almost carbon copies of each other, with Rea on the Kawasaki once again taking on a Ducati; this time in the form of Chaz Davies. This time, the Ducati rider led into Turn 1 before Rea dived up the inside and he maintained his lead throughout the final lap as he resisted rival Davies’ pressure all the way to the line to claim a hard-fought victory ahead of his adversary by just a quarter of a tenth.

RACE 1, 2009 – HAGA PIPS NEUKIRCHNER DOWN UNDER

Just 0.032s separated Noriyuki Haga’s Ducati and Max Neukirchner’s Suzuki across the line back in 2009 as the pair went head-to-head at Phillip Island. Haga claimed victory by just a third of a tenth to claim the first race win of the 2009 season. The pair started the final lap going side-by-side and it stayed like that until the German rider made a move at the Turn 4 hairpin, but Haga remained on Neukirchner’s rear wheel into the final half of the last lap, taking advantage of a huge Turn 9 moment for the German to re-claim the lead before the Suzuki star closed in, but not enough to deny Haga victory.

RACE 2, 1997 – SLIGHT VS EDWARDS, HONDA VS YAMAHA

Back in 1997, Aaron Slight and Colin Edwards battled it out for victory in Race 2 of the season-opening Australian Round with New Zealand’s Slight coming out on top. Slight had retired from Race 1 but bounced back in style in Race 2 as he defeated American star Edwards to win his first race of the 1997 season.

RACE 2, 2020 – LOWES DEFEATS TEAMMATE REA

Lowes was making his Kawasaki debut during the 2020 Australian Round but he wasted no time in getting up to speed on the ZX-10RR. Second in Race 1 was backed up with fourth in the Tissot Superpole Race, before he claimed victory in Race 2 ahead of teammate Rea by just 0.037s. Like Race 1, it was a race that built to a crescendo with three riders in contention for victory, with the #22 leading a British 1-2-3 ahead of Rea and Scott Redding.

RACE 1, 2015 – REA AND HASLAM INVOLVED AGAIN

Both Rea and Haslam have been involved in close finishes at Phillip Island and Race 1 in 2015 was no different, with 0.039s separating the pair at the end of the race. Haslam dived up the inside of Rea at Turn 1 to take the lead but the #65 responded at the Southern Loop for P1. The battle raged on with Haslam moving up the inside at Turn 4 before they ran side-by-side through Turns 5 and 6. At Turn 9, Rea made a stunning move to claim P1 again before defending the inside line at the Turn 10 hairpin. It was then a drag race to the line, and it looked like Haslam had got the better run, but Rea just held on for victory by 0.039s.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS: eight more races decided by less than a tenth…

18 races have been decided by less than a tenth at Phillip Island in total, more than any other circuit; the next closest is Monza with 13 and they’re the only two circuits with more than 10 races won by less than a tenth. From Race 2 in 1990, to Race 1 in 2017 and then all the way back to Race 1 in 1991 again all decided by less than half-a-tenth, to Race 1 in 2016, the 2020 Superpole Race, Race 1 in 1995, Race 2 in 2003 and Race 1 in 1998, Phillip Island has always delivered.

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Rain was once again the villain of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship field after it fell ahead of the final test session at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) topped the day’s running thanks to his 1’29.680s set in the morning as he led a trio of Ducati riders, with reigning Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) claiming fourth in the dry. The track dried throughout the final two-hour session, with times rapidly falling, although they were just shy of the morning efforts for the majority of the field.

BULEGA UNBEATABLE IN TESTING: fast and consistent yet again…

Now entering his sophomore season, Bulega has started 2025 as he started his rookie season, with some impressive pace and consistency; over 25 flying laps in FP3, 17 laps were in the 1’29s bracket while two were in the 1’28s, as he claimed top spot with a 1’28.680s. A trio of Ducatis led the field with Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) just under half-a-second down on Bulega, completing 11 timed laps and 21 in total, while Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) was third, 0.499s down on Bulega, with 31 laps to his name. ‘Petrux’ had a longest stint of nine laps and, like Bulega and Iannone, completed many 1’29s – although he was less consistent across his runs. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) took fifth as he found more confidence on his Panigale V4 R, showing consistency throughout the dry conditions as he often lapped in the 1’29s; he also completed 38 laps in the morning session. Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing) completed the top ten as he continued re-adapting to the Panigale V4 R as he completed 35 dry laps, finishing just ahead of Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) in 11^th. Rookie Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing) impressed on Day 1 of the Official Test and did again on Day 2, despite a crash at Turn 4, as he finished 13^th place ahead of fellow rookie Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team).

RAZGATLIOGLU MIXES IT WITH DUCATI: fourth place for ‘El Turco’, van der Mark 12^th

Reigning Champion Razgatlioglu bounced back from his FP1 crash to take fourth on Day 2, and also showed speed and consistency across his stints. 10 laps in the 1’29s and a couple in the 1’30s suggest the #1 is close to the Ducatis ahead but still missing a little bit. ‘El Turco’ actually improved his time right at the end of FP4 with the track at its driest compared to the morning session as he set a 1’29.247s. As for teammate Michael van der Mark, the Dutchman took 12^th place in the dry conditions after setting a 1’29.948s to lap 1.268s slower than pacesetter Bulega.

LOCATELLI TAKES SIXTH FOR YAMAHA: leading the charge for the Japanese brand

Andrea Locatelli was the sole representative for the Pata Maxus Yamaha squad on Day 2 following teammate Jonathan Rea’s injury, and he claimed sixth place with a 1’29.493s while also completing 24 laps as he continued testing the 2025 package featuring chassis components and new electronic strategies. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) took 15^th place with Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team), Tito Rabat (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) and teammate Bahattin Sofuoglu in 18^th, 19^th and 21^st respectively.

ALEX LOWES AND BASSANI CLOSELY MATCHED: Bimota duo sixth and seventh

Bimota’s strong pre-season form continued with P6 and P7 on Tuesday, with Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) leading teammate Axel Bassani by just 0.093s. The #22 completed 36 laps while Bassani added another 30 in the dry FP3 session. The best time for Bimota was recorded by Alex Lowes who set a 1’29.534s while Bassani’s P8 meant he was the last rider within a second of Bulega’s time.

VIERGE PUTS HONDA IN THE TOP TEN: ninth for the #97, Lecuona 20^th

Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC) was the fastest Honda rider on Day 2 as Honda continued to test their CBR1000RR-R with Ohlins suspension following their switch. Vierge posted a 1’29.812s as he claimed P9 with 33 laps to his name while teammate Iker Lecuona, recovering from a training crash that left him injured was 20^th. His best time was a 1’30.642s as he completed 26 laps. Test rider Tetsuta Nagashima, who will also race in Australia, finished in 17^th place with a 1’30.161s; he was one of the first to venture out in the wet FP4 conditions. Elsewhere, Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) rounded out the WorldSBK field in the dry conditions with a 1’31.130s while teammate Zaqhwan Zaidi got his first taste of WorldSBK action in the wet, although he crashed at Turn 4 on his first flying lap.

GERLOFF CRASHES, FINISHES OUTSIDE TOP TEN: 16^th place for the American

Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) has been quick throughout the winter so far, but Day 2 in Australia was more difficult for the American. A crash at Turn 8 briefly brought out the red flags, with the #31 completing 16 laps and posting a best of 1’30.350s. He was also one rider to venture out in the wet, setting a 1’44.955s after he didn’t go out in the best conditions.

THE MIXED CONDITIONS SESSION: slow start, rapid finish

By the end of the final two-hour session, the track had almost dried out with just a few patches of water remaining. Slick tyres were fitted and times tumbled rapidly from the high 1’40s to almost matching the FP3 efforts. Bulega made it four from four as he set a 1’29.133s at the end of FP4 to top the session, a tenth ahead of Razgatlioglu. Locatelli completed the top three ahead of Iannone, who was briefly P1, while Redding, Petrucci, Vickers, Gardner and Bautista all took turns leading the session. Gardner had a crash at the end of the session which brought out the red flags after he fell at Turn 3.

The top six from Day 2 at the Official Test, full results here:

1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’28.680s, 42 laps

2. Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) +0.482s, 31 laps

3. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.499s, 44 laps

4. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.567s, 39 laps

5. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.797s, 55 laps

6. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) +0.813s, 35 laps  

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Source: WorldSBK.com

Tuesday morning saw the World Supersport riders take to the track to do the last bits of troubleshooting on their bikes and settle into race form before the first racing event of the WorldSSP season takes place on Friday, the Tissot Superpole session. Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) once again impressed, finishing P1 with a 1’32.434s, a double after his impressive P1 display in Day 1 of Official Testing.  Valentin Debise (Renzi Corse) led for most of the session, the third-year WorldSSP rider bumped to P2 by just .027s. He seems to be adapting well to his new Ducati bike, the change coming this offseason after two full seasons with Yamaha in 2023 and 2024, first with GMT94 Yamaha, and later with Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team. Rookie Jaume Maisa (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) built on his P5 effort in Day 1 and landed in the would be podium via a personal fastest lap of 1’32.577s.

Bendsneyder wasn’t the only rider to repeat his Day 1 result, German rider Marcel Schroetter (WRP Racing) replicated his P4 finish from yesterday, improving his personal best time down to 1’32.751s from yesterday’s 1’31.131s. Phillip Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) finished the session in P5, recovering the session after a crash early on in the session, prompting a red flag and a trip to the medical tent but was cleared to continue and returned to the track shortly after. In one of the biggest improvements from Day 1, Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) placed P6 from a 1’33.057s lap, up from P15 yesterday. Day 2’s morning session saw Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) take a similar step forward, up from P19 in Day 1’s FP2, to P7, just .010s behind P6 with his 1’33.067s time.

The last of the Ducati riders in the top 10, Andorran rider Xavi Cardelus (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) laid down a best lap of 1’33.143s, earning him a P8 finish in the morning session. In P9, Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) atop his new Kawasaki ZX-6R 636 made it a five-manufacturer top 10 in the session, the WorldSSP rookie setting a personal best on the track of 1’33.256s. rounding out our top 10, Filippo Farioli (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) placed P10 on the back of his 1’33.292s best lap on the session.

The top six from Day 2’s morning session action, FULL RESULTS HERE!

1. Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) 1’32.434s, 12 laps

2. Valentin Debise (Renzi Corse) +0.027s, 17 laps

3. Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) +0.143s, 18 laps

4. Marcel Schroetter (WRP Racing) +0.317s, 16 laps

5. Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) +0.403s, 9 laps

6. Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) +0.623s, 24 laps

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Source: WorldSBK.com

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) continued his record of topping every session at the Official Test at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, beating two fellow Ducati riders to P1 in Free Practice 3. ‘Bulegas’ has led every session during the test for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship as he stakes his claim ahead of the season-opening Australian Round later this week, although there were eight riders from four manufacturers separated by less than one second.

Bulega was the only rider in the 1’28s bracket during the two-hour session on Tuesday morning, and his time was around a tenth quicker than he managed during Monday’s action. His time was a 1’28.680s, which he set right at the end of FP3, to finish just under half-a-second ahead of Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven). ‘The Maniac’ set a 1’29.162s to take P2 and finished two hundredths clear of fellow Independent Ducati rider Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) in third place, with the trio separated by 0.499s.

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) showed no signs of ill-effects from his Turn 6 highside during FP1 as he claimed fourth place in FP3, lapping seven tenths down on Bulega’s time; although the field had been closer prior to the #11 setting his 1’28.680s. Double WorldSBK Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) secured fifth place as he continued to find the feeling with his Panigale V4 R, while Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) led Yamaha’s charge with sixth place after posting a 1’29.493s.

Both Bimota riders were in the top eight during FP3. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) claimed seventh spot with a 1’29.534s while teammate Axel Bassani was just a tenth behind the #22 in P8 with the top eight separated by less than a second. Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC) was ninth as the lead Honda rider, with Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing) rounding out the top ten during FP3 on his Panigale V4 R.

Three riders crashed during the two-hour session, with Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) the first to come down when he fell at Turn 8; the red flags were briefly shown after his spill due to track conditions. Rookie Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing) showed good pace on Monday, but he had a Turn 4 fall during FP3, while Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) crashed at Turn 6. The red flags were briefly shown after his crash due to track conditions.

The top six from FP3, full results here:

1 Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’28.680s, 36 laps

2. Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) +0.482s, 21 laps

3. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.499s, 31 laps

4. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.701s, 28 laps

5. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.797s, 38 laps

6. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) +0.813s, 24 laps

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Source: WorldSBK.com

Day 1 of the Official Test for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship field saw Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) continue to show his growth as a rider atop his team’s Ducati Panigale V4 R, blazing ahead of the rest of the grid into P1 on the day. The Italian rider, now entering his sophomore year in WorldSBK shone in the first of the two testing days in Australia, just shy of half a second clear of Andrea Iannone (Team Go Eleven) in P2 and reigning Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) in third.

In Bulega’s short WorldSBK career, he has already distinguished himself at Phillip Island, as last year he set track records for the fastest lap recorded in a race at the circuit with a scorching 1’28.564s. On Day 1 of testing in Australia, Bulega again put on a show and while these are good signs for the rider’s odds this weekend, the Italian rider is keeping a measured approach.

“It’s early to say, we only did one day across these two sessions. It’s difficult to say, [where he will place] but I can say I have a good feeling. We only did one pit stop practice today, but it went well, my mechanics did a good job. Everyone will improve a lot so we need to keep improving but I am happy,” said Bulega.

One of this off season’s big storylines had been how, due to rainy weather limiting time on-track across Jerez’s and Portimao’s testing events, many teams felt a bit behind schedule in their list of items to test ahead of the season opener. Changes to rules regarding fuel flow stand to affect the entire grid, and adjustments to the bike’s setup posed hurdles that Bulega and his team were looking forward to dealing with across these Australian test days.

Reviewing his test plan, ‘Bulegas’ said: “We just tried to do some normal testing; this winter we couldn’t test much due to the weather conditions. I just tried to use my standard bike and do a lot of laps without touching many things in order to understand where I can improve as a rider, not just to improve the bike. I think we have a good level, but we have to try to improve more and put down more laps tomorrow.”

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Source: WorldSBK.com

Day 1 of the final round of testing at Australia’s Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit gave the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship grid a much-needed dry-running opportunity after a preseason which has been hampered by wet weather so far. Day 1 featured a strong showing from the Ducati riders, occupying four of the top 5 spots with Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claiming P1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) had a nasty highside crash in FP1, however returned to claim P3 on the day, while Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) was declared unfit after his own FP1 fall.

DUCATI ON TOP: Four out of five top positions, rookie Vickers takes eighth

Bulega put on another commanding display this preseason, claiming P1 by a margin of over three tenths of a second. His fastest lap of the day, a 1’28.765s trip around the circuit, was only two tenths of a second slower than the track’s all-time fastest race lap, a record he himself set last year in Race 1. Behind him, Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) claimed P2, having set a 1’29.263s lap with 47 laps under his belt, 24 fewer than Bulega. In P4 was Iannone’s rival, Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team), who finished with a1’29.721s fastest lap, .361s behind Razgatlioglu. Alvaro Bautista claimed P5 with a 1’30.030s lap, competitive as ever and seemingly growing more comfortable on the bike. Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing) impressed in his first-ever WorldSBK test day in Australia, the rookie landing a competitive P8 with a fastest lap of 1’29.982s. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) was the next up of the Ducati riders, finishing 12^th on a 1’30.150s fastest lap. Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing) landed a P15 finish, the English rider in his first season back atop a Ducati with a 1’30.412s personal best lap on the day although he did have a technical issue towards the end of FP2.  Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) rounded out the last of the Ducati bikes with a P18 finish, 1’30.989s as his fastest lap in FP1.

TOPRAK’S HIGHSIDE: big FP1 crash for Razgatlioglu, P3 for the day

Razgatlioglu saw his FP1 ended after just two laps due to highside crash, sending him to the garage for the rest of the first session while they tended to his damaged bike. He was able to hit the track in FP2 later on, culminating in a P3 finish after a 1’29.334s personal fastest lap. Teammate Michael van der Mark finished in the middle of the pack on the day, landing a P11 finish on the back of a 1’30.009s lap.

BIMOTA PREPARING FOR RACE WEEKEND: Lowes and Bassani went to work in Day 1to square away their setups

 Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) was the fastest of the Bimota riders in Day 1, earning a P6 finish with a best time of 1’29.883s. Lowes excelled here at Phillip Island last year with his ZX-10RR Ninja back when he was racing with the Kawasaki Racing Team, he’s commented before how already this offseason he feels like he’s picking up on the momentum he ended last year with. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) looked slightly slower but still competitive, finishing P14 on the back of a 1’30.287s personal fastest lap.

REA RULED UNFIT: Yamaha dealt a big blow as the six-time Champion will be sidelined for the season opener

Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) crashed in FP1 on his 21^st lap of the session, prompting a red flag and a visit to the medical centre before he was diagnosed with multiple fractures on his left foot. The injury will see him miss this weekend’s season-opening action. Prior to the injury, in FP1 Rea was in P15, having recorded a fastest lap for the session of 1’30.885s. Teammate Andrea Locatelli was up to his typical Phillip Island activities looking fast and highly competitive, ending the day with a fastest lap of 1’30.256s, only one thousandth of a second slower than Garrett Gerloff in FP1. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha Racing Team)continued what has looked like a positive preseason so far at Australia’s test Day 1, he laid down a fastest lap of 1’30.223s to earn him P13. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha Racing Team) looks to be continuing his work with Yamaha’s new adjustments to their bike, placing P19 from a 1’31.185s lap recorded in FP1. WorldSBK Rookie Bahattin Sofuoglu (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) placed P19, the #99 placing as such after a session-best lap for the Turkish rider of 1’31.573s as he rode the bike for the first time since undergoing surgery on his collarbone that he injured at Portimao.  Among the Yamaha riders, Tito Rabat (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) was the lowest placing, finishing in P23, running uncharacteristically few laps for his standards with 59, his fastest lap clocking in at 1’30.951s.

HONDA RIDERS STILL FINDING FOOTING: Vierge continues to impress however other Hondas still working on setup

Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) continues his Jerez and Portimao momentum down under as he lands a P9 finish on the back of a 1’30.023s fastest lap. His teammate, Iker Lecuona is still not medically 100% after an offseason on injuries ranging from his foot to his shoulder, and with a lap of 1’31.573s from FP1 placed in P22 on the day. Tarran Mackenzie was his team’s sole rider at Australia’s Day 1, finishing P21 thanks to a fastest lap of 1’31.371s.

TOP TEN FOR GERLOFF: The #31  had a strong day as Kawasaki’s sole rider

The Texan rider continues to try to find his groove in green as he landed a P10 finish thanks to a 1’30.048s lap in FP2, the fastest of his 71 laps on the day. His time today was slightly slower than the times he recorded in Race 1 and Race 2 at Phillip Island last year, 1’29.113s and 1’29.221s respectively. As the year goes on, the American rider will look to improve his pace compared to last year as he settles in with a new manufacturer, a new bike, and a new team.

The top six from Day 1’s testing action, full results here!

1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’28.765s, 71 laps
2. Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) +0.498s, 53 laps
3. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.569s, 34 laps
4. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.947s, 54 laps
5. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +1.063s, 80 laps
6. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +1.118s, 59 laps

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Source: WorldSBK.com