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Tag: WSBK
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Jonathan Rea wins despite losing Superpole: WorldSBK
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) had his Superpole snatched away in the closing seconds of Superpole, but that mattered little to the reigning champion by the time Race One rolled around. A fantastic start from the Kawasaki rider shot him ahead of Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) at the lights, and with an open track ahead, Rea proved to be unbeatable once again. There was a stunning battle for the podium however as Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and Eugene Laverty (Milwaukee Aprilia) completed the podium in the 21 lap race.
Rea was the only rider to make it into the 1’34s at the start of the race, opening a comfortable gap with the large group of pursuers. There was plenty movement behind inside the opening laps, with Laverty and Davies, who had blasted up the field at the lights from seventh on the grid, making quick work of Sykes, while Michael van der Mark (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team) also put his name in contention for a rostrum spot with a stunning start from eleventh.
With Rea flying away into the distance, Davies finally managed to catch the Aprilia by lap 16. Laverty went very wide going into Turn 16, a mistake that Davies welcomed going through the straight. It’s the Welshman’s third consecutive second position and yet another solid ride this season.
While his teammate’s Aprila RSV4 RF suffered from performance issues in the final third of the race, there were no such problems for Laverty, who takes his second consecutive podium. After four years without a WorldSBK top three finish, this time it has only taken the Irish rider two weeks to claim a return to the rostrum.
Van der Mark completed an excellent Race One with fourth position, less than five seconds off of Rea despite his row four start, and making it four manufacturers in the four top spots. He crossed the line ahead of Sykes and will start from pole tomorrow, with the Englishman only able to make it through in fifth after starting from the front of the grid.
Xavi Fores (Barni Racing Team), in special ‘tricolore’ livery for the Misano race, was the best independent rider in Race One, making his way to the line in sixth, ahead of the home duo of Marco Melandri (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in seventh and Lorenzo Savadori (Milwaukee Aprilia) in eighth.
Leon Camier (Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team) returned to the top ten after a disappointing GEICO US Round with ninth place on Saturday. Leandro Mercado (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) meanwhile scored only his fourth top ten finish of the season, coming in behind the Honda in tenth. Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team), who was until today the sole rider to score points in every race of 2018, crashed twice and was unable to finish.
WorldSBK is back tomorrow with Race Two, live from Misano at 13:00 local time (11:00 GMT).
P1 – Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK)
“It was super nice, I want to thank my team because they gave me a really good bike, we’ve been working well all weekend. I could ride well within my limits and really enjoy the race. I came out the last corner and picked up a cool wheelie, it was really fun, but I just want to thank all my mechanics.”P2 – Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
“It was a hard faught battle and we had a good start to make and we did that, I launched the bike off the line and got a good track position. The first few laps of the race I really felt the full fuel load and was pushing with some of the guys but then it started coming to me and I felt better towards the back end of the race. Overall I’m really happy, the team gave me a good bike.”P3 – Eugene Laverty (Milwaukee Aprilia)
“Its nice to back a Laguna podium up, to get the podium here as well as the front row; I was feeling so good in the middle of that race, I was reeling in Jonny, but we had a rear sensor break and that cost me, and cost me second as well, but a few rounds ago I’d have bitten your hand off for a podium so we’ll take that.”World Championship Standings after Race 1, Round 9
1. Jonthan Rea (GBR) Kawasaki (345 points)
2. Chaz Davies (GBR) Ducati (265 points)
3. Tom Sykes (GBR) Kawasaki (228 points)eom/db
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Jonathan Rea rolls to Misano glory in Race 1: WorldSBK
Misano, 7 July 2018: Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) had his Superpole snatched away in the closing seconds of Superpole, but that mattered little to the reigning champion by the time Race One rolled around. A fantastic start from the Kawasaki rider shot him ahead of Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) at the lights, and with an open track ahead, Rea proved to be unbeatable once again. There was a stunning battle for the podium however as Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and Eugene Laverty (Milwaukee Aprilia) completed the podium in the 21 lap race.
Rea was the only rider to make it into the 1’34s at the start of the race, opening a comfortable gap with the large group of pursuers. There was plenty movement behind inside the opening laps, with Laverty and Davies, who had blasted up the field at the lights from seventh on the grid, making quick work of Sykes, while Michael van der Mark (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team) also put his name in contention for a rostrum spot with a stunning start from eleventh.
With Rea flying away into the distance, Davies finally managed to catch the Aprilia by lap 16. Laverty went very wide going into Turn 16, a mistake that Davies welcomed going through the straight. It’s the Welshman’s third consecutive second position and yet another solid ride this season.
While his teammate’s Aprila RSV4 RF suffered from performance issues in the final third of the race, there were no such problems for Laverty, who takes his second consecutive podium. After four years without a WorldSBK top three finish, this time it has only taken the Irish rider two weeks to claim a return to the rostrum.
Van der Mark completed an excellent Race One with fourth position, less than five seconds off of Rea despite his row four start, and making it four manufacturers in the four top spots. He crossed the line ahead of Sykes and will start from pole tomorrow, with the Englishman only able to make it through in fifth after starting from the front of the grid.
Xavi Fores (Barni Racing Team), in special ‘tricolore’ livery for the Misano race, was the best independent rider in Race One, making his way to the line in sixth, ahead of the home duo of Marco Melandri (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in seventh and Lorenzo Savadori (Milwaukee Aprilia) in eighth.
Leon Camier (Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team) returned to the top ten after a disappointing GEICO US Round with ninth place on Saturday. Leandro Mercado (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) meanwhile scored only his fourth top ten finish of the season, coming in behind the Honda in tenth. Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team), who was until today the sole rider to score points in every race of 2018, crashed twice and was unable to finish.
WorldSBK is back tomorrow with Race Two, live from Misano at 13:00 local time (11:00 GMT).
P1 – Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK)
“It was super nice, I want to thank my team because they gave me a really good bike, we’ve been working well all weekend. I could ride well within my limits and really enjoy the race. I came out the last corner and picked up a cool wheelie, it was really fun, but I just want to thank all my mechanics.”P2 – Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
“It was a hard faught battle and we had a good start to make and we did that, I launched the bike off the line and got a good track position. The first few laps of the race I really felt the full fuel load and was pushing with some of the guys but then it started coming to me and I felt better towards the back end of the race. Overall I’m really happy, the team gave me a good bike.”P3 – Eugene Laverty (Milwaukee Aprilia)
“Its nice to back a Laguna podium up, to get the podium here as well as the front row; I was feeling so good in the middle of that race, I was reeling in Jonny, but we had a rear sensor break and that cost me, and cost me second as well, but a few rounds ago I’d have bitten your hand off for a podium so we’ll take that.”#RiminiWorldSBK at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli: Race 1
1. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK)
2. Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +2.791
3. Eugene Laverty (Milwaukee Aprilia) +3.700 -
10 things for you before the Pirelli Riviera di Rimini Round: WorldSBK
10 things you need to know before the Pirelli Riviera di Rimini Round
Check out the top ten stats ahead of Round Nine1. At Laguna Seca, Eugene Laverty (Milwaukee Aprilia) became the ninth different rider on the podium this year, and put an Aprilia back on the rostrum for the first time since the second Lausitzring race in 2016 (Alex de Angelis).
2. Kawasaki recorded their 118th win in Laguna Seca’s Race 2, and in Misano they will have the first chance to equal Honda at the second all time spot (119 WorldSBKwins).
3. There is only one rider in the current field who has qualified from pole at Misano: Tom Sykes, with six pole positions. He has recorded pole in all his last six race weekends here. He can become the first rider in history with seven poles at any given track. At the moment he shares the record with Troy Corser (six poles here in Misano) and with…himself, as he was on pole six times in Donington Park.
4. This is the track in which a single manufacturer has won the highest number of races, as Ducati have won here 29 times. They also sit in second in the table, with 25 wins at Assen. The best number of victories for another manufacturer is 15 from Kawasaki at Donington.
5. The podium placements from Ducati riders in Misano so far are 77, an all-time record for a single track. The Assen value for the Italian manufacturer is 73.
6. Misano has hosted 50 WorldSBK races so far, and will equal Donington at 52 – third overall. Only Phillip Island (55) and Assen (54) have hosted more races.
7. Troy Bayliss is the most successful rider around Misano, with six wins spanning from 2001 to 2007, all scored with Ducati. The second place rider with four wins is shared by Max Biaggi, and the current Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK pair: Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes.
8. There are only two riders with double digit podium figures here at Misano: Troy Corser (16) and Troy Bayliss (11). Jonathan Rea can join the party as he has stood on the podium eight times here.
9. Nine years ago, Rea got his maiden WorldSBK win at this track. 61 more and three World Championships have since followed.
10. Ruben Xaus is the only rider who has won around here after starting outside the top 10 grid spots. In 2003 he recorded the double starting both races from 12th on the grid.
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US World SBK Day 3 – Masterful Rea does a Laguna Seca double
Jonathan Rea leading the pack in Race 2 on Sunday. A World SBK image Monterey, 25 June 2018: Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) took his second win of the weekend at the WeatherTech Raceway, Laguna Seca, becoming the most successful rider in MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship history at the US racetrack in the process. The Northern Irishman was again unstoppable in the GEICO US Round, flying to the lead in the opening eight laps despite having to start from the back of row three. Second went again to Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), with a sensational performance from Eugene Laverty (Milwaukee Aprilia) to complete the podium in third.
Rea wasted no time at the lights. By the end of lap one he had managed to climb from ninth on the grid to fifth; three laps around Laguna Seca later, he was already up to second and chasing race leader Laverty. Sitting behind the leading group was Marco Melandri (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) who crashed out in the early stages of the race making it the third time in the last seven races that the Italian has failed to score any points.
It didn’t take much longer for the Race 1 leader to pass Laverty either, picking off the Aprilia rider with ease through Lap eight. A similar story to yesterday: two thirds of the race left, an open track ahead, and an unbeatable race pace. When Rea finds his groove and is this confident, the three time champion is second to no one. Even Davies, who put in another stunning climb through the ranks and passed Laverty into second with eight laps to go, couldn’t close the gap and had to settle for second.
In a similar performance to Sunday however, there was plenty of action for the remaining rostrum place. Laverty, who was now in third, was quickly hunted down by the two Pata Yamaha riders. But the pair battled amongst themselves for just enough laps for the Irishman to keep them both at bay, meaning he was able to clinch his first podium of the 2018 campaign, also a first since Sepang 2014.
The battle between Round Six and Seven’s race winners van der Mark and Lowes, saw the Brit finally emerge victorious with two laps to go thanks to a brave pass in the run-up to the Corkscrew. A bit of magic from the Lincolnshire rider means he is able to close the gap to his teammate in the standings to just 32 points. Van der Mark meanwhile couldn’t make the best of a fantastic start, which saw the Dutchman rise to second at Turn One, and crossed the line in fifth.
Xavi Fores (Barni Racing Team) repeated his Race One performance with sixth at the flag, a sign that the Spaniard is building back his form after two forgettable rounds. Behind him was fellow Spaniard Jordi Torres (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) in seventh, ahead of Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) in eighth. Sykes is a three time winner at Laguna Seca, but on Sunday he found himself collapsing down the ranks from the start and it never quite worked out throughout the 25 laps for the Kawasaki rider, closing a disappointing weekend.
Jake Gagne (Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team) went one better than on Saturday, crossing the line in ninth and taking his personal best result in WorldSBK. A fantastic weekend at home for the Californian, who crossed the line ahead of Loris Baz (GULF Althea BMW Racing Team) in tenth and Leandro Mercado (Orelac Racing VerdNatura). A special mention for Karel Hanika (Guandalini Racing), who crossed the line in a promising 14th, scoring points in both races at Laguna Seca on his WorldSBK debut.
Rea said: “I’m super happy, I don’t know what to say, a massive hanks to Pere, they gave me an even better bike today, in the last five laps I took a step back and thought that I’m here in Laguna Seca, riding a ZX-10RR, I felt so cool to be riding out here. Thanks to all the fans, its certainly a case of California dreaming here.”
Davies said: “That was an enjoyable race, its never easy coming from the third row of the grid but you’ve got to make the passes stick and some of those passes we’re certainly a little bit tight and thats the nature of this grid and with this grid rule. I just missed that but in the early stages to run with Jonny and then we got there and the damage was already done, its great to see Eugene back on the podium.”
Laverty said: “It is so nice to get that podium we’ve been talking about for so long, it’s been getting closer and closer since my injury, its been getting back into the swing of things, I’m happy for myself but more happier for the team, its been a long time coming and its their first podium.”
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FIM Superbike World Championship heads to Buriram #THAIWorldSBK
City of Happiness set to host the 2nd round of the Motul FIM WorldSBK Championship. Image by WorldSBK Destination of Speed awaits the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, as they head to Thailand and the well-established circuit in Buriram, as 4.5km of sweeping tarmac prepares to welcome the 19 WorldSBK riders, for what is set to be a sensational second round of the season. Marco Melandri (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) arrives in Thailand as the championship leader, breaking Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK’s Jonathan Rea’s string of 76 races at the top, but the fight isn’t over and reigning world champion Rea will be the man to beat around Buriram. The battle for glory in Thailand is on!
Melandri will be looking to take his third consecutive win when the lights go out on Saturday, as the Italian heads to Thailand as the only WorldSBK victor of 2018. The 35 year old is preparing for a tough fight, and after narrowly missing out on a double podium finish last season, he will be looking to improve his pace – especially through the tricky final corner in Buriram. Whilst Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) has a mixed bag of results from Thailand – including two podium finishes – he will be searching for a more positive weekend in Asia.
Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK are no doubt the bench-mark around the Asian circuit, with an 100% win record in Buriram. Jonathan Rea took the double victory when SBK® first visited the circuit back in 2015, whilst Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) joined him on the podium in race one. 2016 welcomed an 100% podium record for the duo following sensational British battles on track, of which Rea was the victor in Race One and Sykes in Race Two. Whilst 2017 welcomed the unstoppable Rea on his way to his third consecutive title, as he took the double in dominant style – closely followed by Sykes. Will 2018 see the end to their Thai reign? There are plenty on men on a bid to stop them.
2016’s pole position man Michael van der Mark (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team) will hope to put the opening race of the season behind him, as he suffered a tough first outing in Australia. But with a strong history around Chang International Circuit, the Dutch rider sets his sights on his second podium appearance in front of the hordes of fans, his first back in 2016. Fellow Buriram podium finisher Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team) will be keen to get his YZF-R1 on the podium in Thailand, and he will be keen to remain in the top five of the championship standings after Round Two.
Impressing with their new rider line up for 2018 in Australia, Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team of Leon Camier and Jake Gagne will have another challenging weekend ahead of them. Sitting in sixth position overall in the standings, Camier will be hoping to improve his overall record around the 4.4km circuit, where he has struggled in the past. With a new bike and team, the British rider will be putting everything he learnt from his first race with the CBR1000RR to good use this weekend. Whilst for Gagne it will be another track to learn, giving him even more of a test for the three days ahead.
Milwaukee Aprilia team-mates Eugene Laverty and Lorenzo Savadori don’t have many happy memories of Chang International Circuit, which they will be looking to rectify for the 2018 MOTUL Thai Round. Italian Savadori has welcomed two top ten finishes here, whilst Irish hopeful Laverty has only competed here once, and took home one point from both races. With some big steps with the set-up of the RSV4 RF made in Australia, there will no doubt be two determined Aprilia riders around Buriram.
Jordi Torres (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) has a strong record from Buriram in the past, as the Spainish rider has never finished outside of the top eight over all six appearances. Continuing to learn the dynamics of this new team, as well as the characteristics of the F4, it will certainly be a challenge for Torres but with the added confidence of the strong history – including two top four finishes in 2015, he will be one to watch.
With their sole rider of Loris Baz making his debut in Buriram this weekend, the GULF ALTHEA BMW Racing Team will have a big challenge on their hands. Keen to get the weekend underway, the French rider will be keen to put in plenty of laps on his S 1000 RR throughout the start of the weekend as he prepares to get himself in the best possible position for the weekend ahead.
Whilst the battle between the Independent Rider’s roars on into Thailand, of which Xavi Fores (Barni Racing Team) is dominating. Taking a podium finish in Australia and sitting in fourth position in the overall championship standings, the Spanish rider is the clear outstanding independent rider so far. However, with a mixed record around the circuit he will no doubt face some strong challenges from his fellow Independent Team’s and Riders.
Follow the WorldSBK riders on their search for glory around the Destination of Speed from 23rd to 25th March, as racing kicks off at 16.00LT (+7 GMT) on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
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Marco Melandri sets fastest time on Day 1 of WorldSBK test: Aruba.it Racing Ducati team view
The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team officially kicked off its 2018 campaign at Phillip Island with the first day of pre-season tests ahead of Round 1 of the WorldSBK Championship. The team enjoyed a positive debut in what was the first of a two-day test, as shown by the provisional best time set by
Marco Melandri . Davies, who finished in 10th position, preferred to adopt a progressive approach given the less than optimal track conditions caused by strong wind gusts, especially to avoid potential setbacks in his recovery from an injury sustained in late 2017.
Melandri clocked 63 laps in total, posting his personal best in the morning session with a 1:30.726 then focusing on the pace with used tires. The Italian, who was the only rider able to break the 1:31 wall so far, confirmed his penchant for the Australian track where he already took five podiums in his career. Davies got progressively in tune with his 2018-spec Panigale R, making several evaluations and finishing with a personal best of 1:32.054.
The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati will resume action tomorrow at 09:10 local time (CET +10) for the second and final day of pre-season tests ahead of the opening round, scheduled for February 23-25 on the same track.
Marco Melandri (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #33) – 1:30.726 (1st)
“It’s been a really positive day overall, despite the less than ideal weather conditions. The wind was really strong and unpredictable in the afternoon, so it wasn’t possible to further improve the lap times, but we worked well with the team and we immediately found a good feeling with the bike. Having evaluated many components in the previous tests, we were finally able to focus more on performance. A year of experience with the Panigale R also represents an advantage, especially when it comes to the electronics. The races will be a different matter anyway, so we need to stay focused.”Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #7) – 1:32.054 (10th)
“We tried quite a lot of things today and we have a general idea for tomorrow to further refine what felt good and what didn’t. We still need to combine our package a little bit but, considering that the conditions weren’t ideal, I think we achieved quite a lot. Physically I feel better, so I’m really happy about that. You never want to do anything stupid and get caught out or make mistakes on the first day of testing here. We basically used only two sets of tires, it wasn’t about going out for a quick lap time in the end, but rather to understand the package. Our first priority is to have a bike that can consistently be a reference in every circuit.”eom/Aruba.it Racing Ducati team press release
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Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Victoria, Australia
The beautiful Phillip Island circuit on the Bass Straight, off the coast of Victoria in Australia, is one of the most iconic and exciting venues in world motorsport. WorldSBK™ first raced at Phillip Island in 1990, just after the first MotoGP™ visit in 1989.
That Australia has produced so many stars of two-wheel racing, such as Wayne Gardner, Mick Doohan, Troy Bayliss, Troy Corser and Casey Stoner, is a testament to the country’s rich motorcycle racing heritage.
Paddock Show
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Phillip Island test – Ready for the kick off: FIM Superbike World Championship
Just under a week remains ahead of the opening round of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship around the spectacular Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, and riders are set to be out on track from 19th – 20th February in the final test of the off-season. Providing riders with an opportunity to make any final changes ahead of the Yamaha Finance Australian Round, the traditional two-day test is always a telling and important opening to the season.
Kawasaki head into the test ready for a battle and will no doubt have a confidence boost as the Japanese manufacturer has had a strong winter testing period. Kawasaki Racing Team’s Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes have been working on their ZX-10RR’s in compliance with 2018’s regulations and have not come away feeling downbeat. Full of praise for the team’s hard work and their new steeds, they will certainly be the target for the test. Making his WorldSBK debut will be Toprak Razgatlioglu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing), as the Turkish rider moves up from STK1000. Noted by many as a rider to watch for the upcoming season, his new team have notably put little pressure on the 21-year-old, and he will continue to work on understanding the Ninja machine. It’s not only Puccetti who will have new riders taking on the ZX-10RR this season, with Yonny Hernandez making the leap over from MotoGP™ joining Team Pedercini Racing and Leandro Mercado taking on the Orelac Racing Verd Natura team. The green machines will certainly be ones to keep an eye on throughout the two-day test.
Aruba.it Racing – Ducati is preparing for the new season with the same duo on their bikes, and as Chaz Davies and Marco Melandri begin to adjust to the new regulations for 2018, they will be putting the new parts into practise for the Official Phillip Island Test. Undergoing a strong test and race around the Australian circuit in 2017, going one step further will be the goal for 2018 as they hope to give the Panigale R a stunning final season. Barni Racing Team will once again run with the Italian manufacturer, and Xavi Fores has been putting in the hard work over the winter. Finishing in the top five in last season’s official test, the Spanish rider will make the most of his time out on track Down Under as he looks at making the step back onto the podium in 2018.
Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team is preparing for what they hope is set to be a strong 2018 season, as Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark set their sights high for the season ahead. Lowes has had a very strong pre-season so far and is set to confirm some of the changes ahead of the opening round, at a circuit where he battled for the victory around in 2017. Van der Mark is heading into the test with some work remaining to do, but feeling confident ahead of the season. Guandalini Racing continues with Ondrej Jezek on the YZF-R1 for 2018, who will make the most of the vital testing time offered around the 4.4km circuit. Yamaha will also welcome the Yamaha Racing Team onto the grid in Australia, with Daniel Falzon and Wayne Maxwell taking on the WorldSBK class – and will no doubt use the valuable testing sessions prior to impressing their home crowds.
Leon Camier (Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team) has been one of the stars of the WorldSBK winter testing, impressing with his new team at each circuit so far. Continuing to make updates on the CBR1000RR whilst awaiting a new electronics package, the British rider will utilise the time on track to be in the best possible position for the season. Jake Gagne (Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team) is set to make his debut Down Under, a track he has hailed as the one he is most looking forward to riding. With a steady pace so far in testing, he will have a methodical two-day test to work through the issues on the Honda. Tackling the third Honda on the grid, PJ Jacobsen (TripleM Honda World Superbike Team) has a big season ahead of him as his team also makes the move up into the WorldSBK class. Working closely with the Red Bull squad, no doubt the American will have a busy and productive two-day test.
Remaining with the same duo in 2018, Milwaukee Aprilia is now the lone RSV4 RF beasts on the grid and will continue to work to make it a podium finisher with Eugene Laverty and Lorenzo Savadori. The team underwent a tough start to their season in 2017 Down Under, but after some solid days over the winter, there is no doubt they will be working their hardest to get their Italian machines into the competitive times.
Riding for new teams for 2018, Loris Baz (GULF Althea BMW Racing Team) and Jordi Torres (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) will be continuing to develop a relationship with their new teams in order to create a strong working atmosphere. With the two day test, they can work on their overall pace around the circuit as well as be getting to grips with the bike as a whole, meaning it will be a busy two days for the pair.
eom/with inputs from WSBK
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Our adventure is underway; We thank India: NRT Riders Thomas Gradinger & Jules Cluzel
An NRT image of team riders for 2018 debut in Phillip Island The two riders, Thomas Gradinger & Jules Cluzel, of the new Indian outfit, Nerd Racing Team are excited and after reaching Australia they expressed goodwill about the Mumbai launch saying: “Our adventure is underway! We would like to thank India & all the people who supported us by their presence at the event (in India).”
Ahead of the first Official test at Phillip Island, Jules and Thomas did a quick Q&A. Excerpts…⠀
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How do you feel going into the 2018 season without testing?⠀
JC – Initially, I felt apprehensive but now I am very excited, I know the bike and team are completely new but I am sure we can work well together.⠀
TG – Sure I would prefer to test, but I feel well prepared and I know the potential of the bike and my crew. We can stay focused and work well on the two test days, we will be well prepared for the race weekend.⠀
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What were your reasons for signing with NRT this year?⠀
JC – The package was really exciting for me, having Marcus as our engine builder was very appealing. Also, I have known Gary for many years and I know he can lead a good team.⠀
TG – It was always my dream to ride in WorldSSP and the team has faith in me. I worked well with Frank and Thomas last year, and the engines are built by Markus and Thomas, so this was also a big factor in my decision.⠀
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As this is a new team, what are your feelings about them as a package?⠀
JC – I know that the whole team is very motivated and ready to show how well we can work together. I like the motivation that the team has, it is a very big thing for me. As a new team, we have a lot to prove, and we will prove it. ⠀
TG – My feelings are very good, I have no doubt in the team and they are very motivated and experienced in what they do.⠀
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Do you feel any pressure for 2018?⠀
JC – I don’t really feel any pressure, we have a test before the first race in Phillip Island, let’s see what that brings.⠀
TG – No way. It’s my first year on the big stage and I will learn a lot from the team, and Jules as my teammate. I´m very motivated and can’t wait to race at Phillip Island.eom/NRT World Supersport FB page
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Thomas Gradinger set for NRT debut: WorldSSP
2017 IDM Supersport Championship winner, Thomas Gradinger, will step onto the world stage next season with NRT, it can now be announced.
It was in November 2017, that Ride Scotland confirmed the arrival of Thomas Gradinger to the Indian team.
Since his wildcard entry at Lausitzring WorldSSP round back in August, where he made a firm impression with Team Manager Gary Reynders, he has been in talks with the team boss and can now confirm the rumours that he has signed with the Indian backed team.
Gradinger commented: “I am very happy and thankful to get the chance from NRT to race in WorldSSP, it was my dream since I began racing. My goal for this season is to learn as much as I can and improve every race. I can’t wait until the first race to work with my crew.”
Gary Reynders: “I am very happy I have the opportunity to give a young Austrian rider the chance to compete in an FIM Supersport World Championship. His performance in Lausitzring was impressive and we hope he can continue to develop his skills with our team.”
eom/Ride Scotland website
