World Superbike Teams Report on Phillip Island Tests
Alstare Suzuki
After two days of intense testing at Phillip Island in Australia, Team Suzuki Alstare riders Max Neukirchner and Yukio Kagayama are now ready for the opening round of the World Superbike Championship there next weekend.
Conditions remained dry throughout and the team were able to try out a lot of different things and find good set-ups for both riders.
Neukirchner was the quickest rider on day one, but ended fifth fastest overall with Kagayama just behind him.
Max Neukirchner – (190 laps, best lap 1:32.5):
“My general feeling is that these two days went well and we’ve been able to find a good set-up for the bike for next weekend. We had some rear grip problems yesterday but managed to solve the problem today and make further progress. I think we are in a good way with the bike and feel positive about next weekend’s race. Phillip Island is a very good track for testing because of its variety: It has fast corners, slow corners and changes of elevation. Everything we’ve done in these two days is going to be very helpful next week.”
Yukio Kagayama – (171 laps, best lap 1:32.8):
“I’m happy, because I did not crash and many other riders did! I rode quite safely during these days because I knew there was a lot of work to do and I did not want to make any mistakes so close to the first race. We tried many things and many different set-ups and the biggest problem for me was the variations in tyre level performance. But we found a good set-up for next week’s race and I hope I can start the season with a good result and keep up a good level throughout the year.”
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Ducati Xerox
The Ducati Xerox Team have travelled to the Australian circuit of Phillip Island a week ahead of the race weekend in order to benefit from a final two days of testing before the start of the 2009 Superbike season.
Various teams were on track today as the Superbike riders and their technicians make final modifications and carry out the last tests ahead of next weekend’s opening round.
In overcast and blustery conditions, Ducati Xerox factory riders Noriyuki Haga and Michel Fabrizio worked hard with their teams and, despite both having a fall, both felt that progress was made during this, the first of the two days.
Michel Fabrizio
“Everything considered it’s been a positive day. I didn’t complete so many laps which was a shame because unfortunately I fell in the early afternoon, a silly mistake as a tried to take the corner in second rather than in first, and as a result I did a lot of damage to one bike while the second wasn’t totally ready. I went back out towards the end of the session and I was able to complete a few fast laps. I’ve not had any particular problems today so I hope we can make more progress tomorrow.”
Noriyuki Haga
“We have tried various front settings today and are working to find a good balance. I had a fall earlier but nothing serious. Although we had a bit of trouble to find the right direction today, we have ideas as to what we can try tomorrow so I am confident that day two will go much better.”
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Ten Kate Honda
The Ten Kate Honda World Superbike team has declared itself ready to challenge for the 2009 championship title after a two-day test at Phillip Island in Australia, venue for the first round of the series next weekend (27 February-1 March).
The squad’s latest recruit, British rider, Jonathan Rea, set the fastest time of the test with a lap of 1’31.8s, on a par with the existing lap record set by Troy Corser in 2007. As well as a fast lap, last season’s World Supersport runner-up from Ballymena in Northern Ireland, today concentrated on race simulations in preparation for the new season ahead.
Rea’s Hannspree Ten Kate Honda team-mate, Carlos Checa, did not at ride at Phillip Island today following a heavy crash yesterday, which resulted in a bang on the head and a sore shoulder. The Spaniard, however, who finished his rookie championship in 2008 in fourth place with two race wins, is confident of a strong start in next weekend’s opener.
Ryuichi Kiyonari, riding under the Honda Accessories banner for 2009, set a fastest time of 1’33.1s during the test and the Japanese ace is looking forward to adding to the three wins a scored in his first World Superbike championship last season.
Jonathan Rea – best time 1’31.8s
“”Well, according to some websites, I crashed today and was like seventh quickest. I’m happy to report, however, that I didn’t crash and did a 1’31.8s lap which we think was the fastest today! What matters is that we were able to find a setting that allows some tyre life at the end of the race and that I’m getting to grips with the traction control. We did two full race simulations today and the bike felt great. We know what we have to do next weekend but I’m really excited at the potential we’ve shown here.”
Carlos Checa – 1’33.3s
“My shoulder is still a little sore and my head, well, that’s always had some problems! No, I am really OK and will be fit for next weekend’s first round after some rest this week. I was able to complete a good number of laps to try some new things, but we were hoping to try a new rear tyre, which unfortunately we couldn’t do. With the weather in Portimao and the crash here, it hasn’t been the perfect winter testing, but I like Phillip Island and I’m looking forward to racing again next weekend.
Ryuichi Kiyonari – best time 1’33.1s
“I had some problems finding a good set-up on the first day of this test but we made some changes for the second day and definitely made some progress. It was not so much to make one fast lap, but we were happy with consistency of laps during a race simulation. I had a small crash today but it was not such a problem. Of course, there is still some work to do but I am really looking forward to the start of the season next week.”
Ronald ten Kate – team manager
“We’ve had quite a good test here, although it was disappointing for Carlos. He took a big knock to the head and his shoulder was sore but he has had a thorough check-up and will be good to go next week. It’s a shame because he was one of the fastest riders at that point of the weekend, so I’m sure he will be on the pace when it matters. We’ve made some progress on the second day with Kiyo-san and he is definitely fast on race tyres. Jonathan also found things a little difficult on the first day, but some overnight changes put the bike in the right place and he put in some quick times. There are still some issues on race distances but, all in all, it’s been a positive test and we’re in good shape for next week and the season ahead.”
Hannspree Ten Kate Honda head into the 2009 World Supersport championship season in search of the team’s eighth consecutive title. And with the 2007 and 2008 champion riders lining up alongside each other in the team’s pit box, the challenge is clear.
Andrew Pitt (2008 champion) and Kenan Sofuoglu (2007) have just completed a two-day test at the Phillip Island circuit in Australia in preparation for the 2009 opener at the same circuit next weekend (27 February – 1 March).
Setting the fastest time of the test, it was Sofuoglu who edged out his team-mate by just one tenth of a second, indicating a thrilling and highly competitive season ahead for the Honda CBR600RR-mounted riders.
Kenan Sofuoglu – best time 1’34.7s
“I am very happy and cannot wait to race my bike again next weekend. It was a little difficult to find a rhythm on the first day of this test but it all came together on day two and the bike is feeling fantastic again. There is still some more to come but I’m comfortable with the bike, the team and everything, so I’m really feeling positive for the season ahead.”
Andrew Pitt – best time 1’34.8s
“The times have been pretty good, even though we had a few problems yesterday and only managed about an hour in the morning when the conditions here are at their best. We made some changes and today I did a few laps first thing, changed tyres and was on it straight away. I’m looking forward to the race next weekend, especially starting the season at home as world champion.”
Ronald ten Kate – team manager
“We tried some different set-ups on the first day and found the right direction to go in today. It has been quite straightforward and both riders were comfortable putting in faster laps and doing race simulations, both of which were faster than last year’s race. Everyone is feeling very positive for the start of another World Supersport season on the amazing Honda CBR600RR.”
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BMW
BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s World Superbike team successfully completed their two day test at Phillip Island and are now looking forward to the first race of the year, which will take place next week at the same circuit. During the two days there was a mixture of sunshine and cloud, together with strong gusty winds on day one. But although there were a few spots of rain on the first day, the track remained dry throughout.
Troy finished the test early, thanks to a collision with a bird early in the afternoon of day two. He was going about 230 kph, when he hit the bird and the force of the impact on Troy’s left bicep was enough to wrench his left hand off the handlebars. Somehow Troy managed to keep the control of the bike and not crash, but the doctors advised him to sit out the rest of the day, rather than risk further in jury. Ruben continued his learning curve and was happy to end up far more comfortable with his S 1000 RR by the end of the test .
Troy (97 laps, best lap 1:32.9)
“The tests went very well, though it’s a real shame that I had to finish early because we still had lots more to try out. But, I guess I’m lucky that I didn’t crash and hurt myself badly when I hit the bird. I’m really not sure how I managed to stay on the bike, because it’s not easy when you’ve only got one hand on the bars, but somehow I was able to recover. I had seen the bird on the track and tried to avoid it by going up the inside. But instead of staying put, or flying away from my bike, it flew up right in front of me. Hitting a one kilo or so bird at over 230 kph is like hitting a brick wall, so I’m lucky that my injury isn’t any worse. We have learnt a lot in these two days and I’ve been able to get a better idea of how the bike works in different conditions and set-ups. What I can say though, is that my S 1000 RR feels as good as any other bike I’ve ever ridden round here.”
Ruben (114 laps, best lap 1:33.5)
“Generally I’m happy with the tests and how they went and it’s been really good to get more kilometres under my belt. I’m getting used to the S 1000 RR and it’s becoming more and more comfortable for me. We’ve done a lot of work here and made good progress so I’m pleased about our prospects for next weekend. We tried many different set-ups and have given the technicians lots to think about. Now we need to put everything together and keep on improving, but I am confident that this team will get better and better each time we go to the racetrack.”
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Yamaha
Yamaha riders on the pace in the Australian sunshine
The Yamaha World Superbike team has enjoyed a successful final pre-season test at the Phillip Island circuit in Australia. The two day test was the final shakedown for the 2009 YZF-R1 in advance of the season opening race this coming weekend and was a valuable opportunity for both riders to get to know the track.
Three-time AMA Superbike champion Ben Spies ended the final day of testing with a quick 1.32”36 lap time, a mere 0.2 of a second off fastest rider Michele Fabrizio. Fellow Yamaha World Superbike team rider Tom Sykes had a crash on the start of the second day of testing and spent a large part of the day resting before going back out again for a final run. He too stepped up the pace and finished the day with an overall time of 1.32”10, a great result considering he missed most of the day’s track time after his fall.
Ben Spies, Yamaha World Superbike team – 1.32”36 (160 laps)
“It was a good test for me. We worked on a lot of race stuff, we had some tires to test and get through for Pirelli then we got up to speed on the track and did some longer stints getting the bike to work on race setup. We were looking good for race pace, we did a race simulation and it felt really good. For sure we only got two days testing on the track and the whole race weekend is going to add some adrenaline. I’m extremely happy with the bike and the team is working really well so I can’t wait to get started.”
Tom Sykes, Yamaha World Superbike team – 1.32”10 (100 laps)
“I was more than happy with day one, having never seen Phillip Island before, I went out and pulled a 1.33”2, which wasn’t too bad considering it’s a new track for me. We worked on some minor adjustments and worked on getting a good base setting for the bike. I’m more than confident in its capabilities and set up, we’re pretty much on the times. Going into day two I knew I could improve, but unfortunately on my first run, getting up to speed I had a fall. I wasn’t even busting myself and not sure how it happened, got on it a bit too soon at the exit of turn 2, ran wide by two feet and where the tarmac ripples slightly the rear end low sided, I caught it then high sided the other way! Luckily I have no serious injuries so will be fighting fit and raring to go at the weekend. I went back out again at the end of the second day and found my pace again easily so am still confident to fight for the podium.”
Massimo Meregalli, Yamaha World Superbike Team manager
“The test went well with the exception of Tom’s crash. We didn’t have so many problems and it was very important that the guys learned the circuit as it’s a new one for them. By the end of the first day they were making good laps with great pace. By the end of the last day, Ben was up with the fastest riders, Fabrizio and Haga. Tom had a big crash in the morning of the second day, the doctor said to stay in the clinic until the afternoon to rest. In the late afternoon he came back out for one and a half hours time on track, it was impressive as with his last lap he made his fastest lap of the test. In the end the test was also a big running in for us as the bike is still new, we tried to find the best set up, and tried some different tires. We’ve answered all our questions and feel really good about going into the first race weekend in a few days time, we’re ready to fight!”
Yamaha World Supersport team get down to business
The Yamaha World Supersport team riders got straight down to business in Phillip Island in the last pre-season test, showing excellent form and proving they have the pace to run at the front of the pack from the off. Young ex-British Superbike rider Cal Crutchlow proved he has adapted quickly to the Yamaha YZF-R6, lapping consistently and finishing the two-day test fourth quickest with a time of 1.35”3, just 0.5 off fastest rider Sofuoglu. Crutchlow’s team mate Fabien Foret has answered any questions about being back on form following last year’s crash in Brno, finishing the two-day test just behind Crutchlow in fifth position with a time of 1.35”8.
Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha World Supersport team – 1.35”2 (160 laps)
“I’m really pleased, we’ve got a lot done, and got a lot of laps in. I’m really looking forward to the race. I’m now consistently up there. I know it’s going to be a tough weekend not knowing the circuit in a race situation but I’m feeling confident we can be fighting for the podium. I’m under no illusions it’s going to be hard but we’ve put a lot of work in over the last few days, I want to come out of here with some points and build on it during the year. I’m really enjoying being here, the circuit is fantastic. I’ve watched it over the years and to come here and ride is a pleasure. When the bike’s on form it’s a pleasure to ride it, I can’t wait to be on the grid waiting to race.”
Fabien Foret, Yamaha World Supersport team – 1.35”8 ( 138 laps)
“For me it’s been a really good test, I feel we’ve found a setting that really makes me feel confident. I now feel I am fully back to speed following last year’s crash and have also built up more strength for racing. I’m fully fit and happy with my pace. I didn’t go out to try and get the fastest lap but was focused on getting a good race pace. The team is working really well, we’ve worked to find a set-up that suits me here so I’m optimistic that we can go out and fight for the podium this weekend.”
Wilco Zeelenberg, Yamaha World Supersport team manager
“The test has been an interesting one for us, on the first day we had some bad luck with some small problems, which were causing small crashes, however both riders were fine and fast despite this. Fabien has been recovered completely and is fitter than he was at the first test at Portimao in January so I’m happy with him. After a long day of riding and trying suspension settings we ended the first day with a half hour starting exercise which went really well. We brought our own starting light system with us to test the response time of the riders. Both performed well which was great! For the second day our target was to test more suspension settings and do a long run in the afternoon. After finding some improvements in the morning we did a long run with both riders, they were riding together for the race distance test, it was good to see them together and they both enjoyed the chance for an on-track fight instead of testing all the time. It was good practice for them as this is also what they will have to do next week. The championship looks like it’s going to get really tough this year, but we will be part of it!”
WORLD SUPERBIKE TESTING – February 21 / 22 2009 – Phillip Island
Fastest times Sunday February 22 2009
Jonathan Rea (Honda) 1m31.8s
Michel Fabrizio (Ducati) 1m32.1s
Ben Spies (Yamaha) 1m32.3s
Nori Haga (Ducati) 1m32.3s
Troy Corser (BMW) 1m32.9s
Tom Sykes (Yamaha) 1m33.1s
Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) 1m33.1s
Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) 1m33.1s
Max Neukirchner (Suzuki) 1m33.1s
Ruben Xaus (BMW) 1m33.5s
Carlos Checa (Honda) 1m33.5s – time set on Saturday