Kawasaki sets WSBK pace
IT LOOKS like another straight Kawasaki vs Ducati battle this season as the 2017 World Superbike (WSBK) championship gets underway at Australia’s Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit this weekend.
Reigning champion Jonathan Rea was quickest on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR in the pre season test at Phillip Island earlier this week, ending Tuesday’s session ahead of the Aruba.it Racing Ducati duo of Marco Melandri and Chaz Davies, with Kawasaki’s Tom Sykes fourth. All four riders lapped within half a second of each other, but a dark horse for the title emerged in the form of Xavi Fores (Barni Racing Team Ducati) who was fifth fastest on Tuesday and quickest on Monday.
Leon Camier (MV Agusta) finished Tuesday’s session sixth ahead of Aprilia’s Lorenzo Savadori. Pata Yamaha team-mates had a varied test session, with Alex Lowes eighth overall whilst van der Mark struggled to 13th.
Red Bull Honda continue to learn and understand how their new Honda Fireblade SP2 works, and ended the test in the bottom half of the timing sheets.
Former MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden finished day two in 14th position whilst Stefan Bradl was 19th.
There also seems to be minimal podium threat from Althea BMW this weekend, with Jordi Torres ending Tuesday’s test in ninth place and his team-mate Markus Reiterberger 15th.
There will be 13 rounds in the 2017 World Superbike championship, which as previously will follow a two-race format with a heat on Saturday followed by another one on Sunday.