2009 World Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island

[tha_jackal]

Phillip Island preview

Thursday 26th of February 2009

Team Stiggy Racing Honda ready for the 2009 season

After a successful two day test at Phillip Island circuit last week (17-18 Feb), Team Stiggy Racing Honda have enjoyed a few days rest before the season gets underway this weekend, on Friday. The 4.445 kms circuit, located on Phillip Island, is a few hours drive from Melbourne, and is one of the most spectacular circuits in the race calendar and loved by riders and fans alike.

Superbike World Championship

Roby:
Im happy the start of the season is finally here. We had a really good test last week and made lots of progress with the bike. The bike and team are showing great potential and Im hoping to be able to use all that tomorrow onwards. To start the season here in Phillip Island is very exciting. There are a lot of good riders this year and this is going to be a very competitive championship. Well have to see how it all goes tomorrow.

Leon:
We have had a couple of days off since the test and that has been really nice. We've been shark fishing, playing golf, visiting the penguin parade and the wildlife park, learning to surf and doing a bit of diving, but now Im ready to go and cant wait to get on the track tomorrow.

Supersport World Championship

Anthony:
I'm really looking forward to riding the bike again and getting the first round under my belt. We know, from the last test, that we have a pretty good base set-up for this track and hopefully that will be an advantage unless the conditions change too much. It's good to be back in Australia again and ride in front of my home crowd. As usual, my goal is to be on the podium or, better still, win! We will see how the weekend goes, but I'm sure it will be a good one.

Gianluca:
It will be a lot of fun getting the season started. I like this track a lot and think it will be a good weekend for us. The test we had last week was very positive, so Im confident well make good results here. We had a couple of days off since the test and it's been good for me because I have been able to do some sight-seeing as well as training.

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Sterilgarda set for exciting season with Byrne

Update: February 26, 2009, 00.00 PM ET

The Sterilgarda Racing Team is set for an exciting new season and the squad managed by Marco Borciani aims to shine once again.

In an ever-changing scenario, team Sterilgarda aims to establish itself and have the same level of performance as last season. The team's main rider will be British SBK champion Shane "Shakey" Byrne who has proven at the Portimao testing that he is definitely one of the most valuable riders out there.

Marco Borciani (team manager): "We are very confident ahead of the first round. In fact, Shane has been the fastest rider at the official testing in Portimao last month and we hope he will be out there fighting for the top spot in Australia as well. He is very comfortable with the bike and the Ducatis have proven to be very competitive. The only regret is we couldn't have Alex Polita compete in the first round."

Shane Byrne: "I know the Phillip Island circuit as I did a test there in 2004 while I was still competing for Aprilia in MotoGP and I have to say I really like it. As far as I'm concerned, I will be the underdog because other riders have recently had the opportunity to test on this particular track. Nevertheless, I have confidence in my team who have done a great job setting up the bike during the Portimao tests and I rely on the very fast Ducati 1098. Besides, my goal for the new season is to fight for the top spot."

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Chassis Improvements The Key For Neukirchner's 2009 Campaign

Update: February 26, 2009, 06.55 PM ET

Max Neukirchner has been promoted from satellite Suzuki rider in 2008 to full factory Alstare Suzuki rider in 2009, after winning two races and putting in a more than creditable championship campaign last year. Neukirchner has a new bike this year and for the German rider the main improvement is in the chassis, as the engine performance was already a strong suit on the previous Suzuki machine.

The new GSX-R is a more densely packed unit than the outgoing model, making the chassis design more modern, which in turn allows the entire machine to be nimble and manoeuvrable. As Neukirchner was a potent race-winning force last year, this improvement in key areas bodes well for Max's attempt at the world championship title in 2009.

"We are very happy with the new model from Suzuki and we have tested it a lot in the winter, in Portimao, South Africa and here in Australia as well," said Max. "The new bike is already fast in a straight line, but the handling is much better and I feel much more comfortable on the bike. Last year it was good and my team was perfect, but this year I am a real factory rider and I like that very much."

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Corser fit to race despite getting the bird at the Island

Update: February 25, 2009, 05.55 PM ET

After a lucky escape from serious injury when he hit a plover at 230km/h in final testing last Sunday, Australia's Troy Corser has declared himself in great shape for the opening round of the Superbike World Championship at Phillip Island this weekend.

Corser, who will ride BMW's all-new S 1000 RR four-cylinder machine in the 2009 championship, was taking part in a two-day private test session at Phillip Island with a number of other factory teams when he collided with the bird, but the Wollongong star was able to remain upright and cruise back to the pits.

After initial treatment at the circuit's medical centre for bruising, Corser is now on the road to full fitness for Sunday's two 22-lap races.

"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," said Corser after testing. "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.

"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."

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Battle commences for Ducati Xerox Team

Update: February 25, 2009, 00.45 PM ET

The Ducati Xerox Team flew half way around the world last week to land in Australia for Round 1 of the 2009 World Superbike Championship. The 14-round series recommences this weekend at Phillip Island, the historic track that has featured on the calendar every year since 1990, with more World Superbike events having been held here than anywhere else.

New Ducati rider Noriyuki Haga will line up on the grid for the first time on board his Ducati 1198 and alongside team-mate Michel Fabrizio, now in his second season with the factory squad. Both riders are eager to make an impact on the championship standings right from the very first race and have trained hard all winter to be in the best possible shape for this, Round 1 of what is sure to be a challenging and exciting season.

Last weekend the Ducati factory riders took part in a useful two-day test session here at the Island, using the time to work on bike settings with their teams. Both riders were satisfied with the progress they made and were able to clock up some fast laps in preparation for the upcoming race.

Noriyuki's best result at this track was a third place finish in 2007. In his first race on board the factory Ducati 1198, he is ready to make an immediate impact on the 2009 championship.

"I have to say it's a track that I like but I have had very mixed results here over the years. In the last few years my best result was a third in 2007 but in 1998 I won Race 2. Since then I haven't had so much luck but I am hoping that I can change this this year! The tests last weekend went well and we'll continue to test various things on Friday in preparation for Sunday's races."

Michel stepped on to the podium at Phillip Island last year and is keen to kick off the 2009 season in a similar fashion.

"Last year I felt that some teams weren't totally ready for the start of the season while this year we all seem to be more prepared which means that on Sunday I think we'll be seeing a real fight up at the front for those podium places. I'm happy with how we've been progressing in winter testing and the tests here this weekend were definitely beneficial too. I like this track and am ready to get this championship started."

[tha_jackal]

Aprilia WSB Pedigree A Spur For RSV4 Squad

Update: February 24, 2009, 23.45 PM ET

After a strong showing in recent testing the exquisite vee-four Aprilia RSV4 has already demonstrated some of its more obvious capabilities early in its development cycle. With riders of the calibre of Max Biaggi and Shinya Nakano already making great strides on track, the prospect of Aprilia podium finishes sooner rather than later is a real possibility. And given Aprilia's previous exploits in a short but glorious period of factory WSB racing between 1999 and 2002, it's easy to see why everyone is getting excited by the return of the 'men in black'.

Aprilia Racing has, in fact, a glorious past in WSB, with Troy Corser going third in the championship standings in 2000 and fourth in 2001, on the vee-twin RSV 1000. In total, Aprilia riders secured a remarkable 26 podiums. Of those top three finishes, 18 went to Corser, one to Regis Laconi and seven to Noriyuki Haga. An Aprilia race victory total of eight came almost exclusively from Corser between 2000 and 2001, but Regis Laconi took a famous win at the final round of the 2001 season, at Imola.

What price more victories being added to the Aprilia total in 2009?

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My predictions..

WSB 1:
1. Haga
2. Neukirchner
3. Fabrizio

WSS:
1. Pitt
2. West
3. Crutchlow

WSB 2:
1. Fabrizio
2. Byrne
3. Corser

Cannot wait, seriously.. Im just dieing for this weekend lol..

[leopard]

Reliability seems to be a problem in question new manufacturers have to answer if they want to claim podiums or win a race, despite superiority they have demonstrated during testing period.
I would rather put aside them from the top three finisher, until witnessing how strong they can perform at the real race. However if this happens, I will give double thumbs up for that riders...

[tha_jackal]

http://www.mcnews.com.au/MotorcycleRacing2009/Superbike/Rnd_1/Thursday/Interviews.htm

some nice audio clips from today's press conference..

[Wim_Impreza]

My predictions:
WSBK Race 1:
1 Haga
2 Byrne
3 Kiyonari

WSS:
1 Pitt
2 Sofuoğlu
3 West

WSBK Race 2:
1 Spies
2 Fabrizio
3 Rea

[The Phantom]

WSB race 1:

1. Haga
2. Fabrizio
3. Rea

WSS:

1. Pitt
2. Sofuoglo
3. McCoy

WSB Race 2:

1. Spies
2. Haga
3. Corser

[tha_jackal]

WSS FP1 Results

Pos# Rider Bike Last lap Best lap Sep Lap
1 54 Sofuoglu K. TUR Honda CBR600RRPIT IN 1'35.482 18
2 35 Crutchlow C. GBR Yamaha YZF R6PIT IN 1'35.652 0.170 19
3 8 Aitchison M. AUS Honda CBR600RRPIT IN 1'35.758 0.276 19
4 24 McCoy G. AUS Triumph Daytona 675PIT IN 1'35.804 0.322 18
5 1 Pitt A. AUS Honda CBR600RRPIT IN 1'35.867 0.385 23
6 99 Foret F. FRA Yamaha YZF R6PIT IN 1'35.893 0.411 16
7 26 Lascorz J. ESP Kawasaki ZX-6RPIT IN 1'35.965 0.483 18
8 13 West A. AUS Honda CBR600RRPIT IN 1'36.056 0.574 19
9 14 Lagrive M. FRA Honda CBR600RRPIT IN 1'36.061 0.579 20
10 77 Veneman B. NED Suzuki GSX-R600PIT IN 1'36.182 0.700 20
11 50 Laverty E. IRL Honda CBR600RRPIT IN 1'36.547 1.065 22
12 96 Smrz M. CZE Triumph Daytona 675PIT IN 1'36.650 1.168 14
13 21 Fujiwara K. JPN Kawasaki ZX-6RPIT IN 1'36.722 1.240 18
14 127 Harms R. DEN Honda CBR600RRPIT IN 1'36.735 1.253 17
15 69 Nannelli G. ITA Triumph Daytona 675PIT IN 1'36.827 1.345 10
16 117 Praia M. POR Honda CBR600RRPIT IN 1'36.936 1.454 20
17 51 Pirro M. ITA Yamaha YZF R6PIT IN 1'36.955 1.473 17
18 55 Roccoli M. ITA Honda CBR600RRPIT IN 1'36.957 1.475 19
19 19 Szkopek P. POL Triumph Daytona 675PIT IN 1'37.071 1.589 16
20 105 Vizziello G. ITA Honda CBR600RRPIT IN 1'37.225 1.743 18
21 5 Pradita T. INA Yamaha YZF R6PIT IN 1'37.853 2.371 19
22 30 G?nther J. GER Honda CBR600RRPIT IN 1'37.989 2.507 16
23 7 Vost?rek P. CZE Honda CBR600RRPIT IN 1'38.470 2.988 22
24 9 Dell'Omo D. ITA Honda CBR600RRPIT IN 1'38.508 3.026 19
25 83 Holland R. AUS Honda CBR600RRPIT IN 1'38.957 3.475 14
26 32 Lai F. ITA Honda CBR600RRPIT IN 1'39.664 4.182 17
27 28 Vos A. NED Honda CBR600RRPIT IN 1'40.712 5.230 14
28 71 Morillas J. ESP Yamaha YZF R6PIT IN 1'40.771 5.289 15
29 78 Geronimi S. AUS Suzuki GSX-R600PIT IN 1'41.257 5.775 16
30 88 Guerra Y. ESP Yamaha YZF R6PIT IN 1'42.086 6.604 17

[tha_jackal]

WSBK Phillip Island - Free Practice 1

1. Ben Spies USA Yamaha Italia YZF R1 1min 32.752s
2. Max Neukirchner GER Alstare Suzuki GSX-R 1000K9 1min 32.813s
3. Leon Haslam GBR Stiggy Motorsport Honda CBR1000RR 1min 33.015s
4. Yukio Kagayama JPN Alstare Suzuki GSX-R 1000K9 1min 33.077s
5. Regis Laconi FRA DFX Corse Ducati 1098R 1min 33.140s
6. Noriyuki Haga JPN Ducati Xerox 1098R 1min 33.239s
7. Shinya Nakano JPN Aprilia Racing RSV-4 1min 33.280s
8. Michel Fabrizio ITA Ducati Xerox 1098R 1min 33.371s
9. Roberto Rolfo ITA Stiggy Motorsport Honda CBR1000RR 1min 33.433s
10. Broc Parkes AUS Kawasaki SRT ZX-0R 1min 33.496s
11. Ryuichi Kiyonari JPN Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR 1min 33.508s
12. Jonathan Rea GBR HANNspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR 1min 33.695s
13. Tom Sykes GBR Yamaha Italia YZF R1 1min 33.757s
14. Makoto Tamada JPN Kawasaki SRT ZX-10R 1min 33.835s
15. Tommy Hill GBR HANNspree Althea Honda CBR1000RR 1min 33.845s
16. Jakub Smrz CZE Guandalini Racing Ducati 1098R 1min 33.901s
17. Max Biaggi ITA Aprilia Racing RSV-4 1min 33.909s
18. Shane Byrne GBR Sterilgarda Ducati 1098R 1min 33.991s
19. Carlos Checa ESP HANNspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR 1min 34.012s
20. Troy Corser AUS BMW Motorrad S1000RR 1min 34.201s
21. Ruben Xaus ESP BMW Motorrad S1000RR 1min 34.780s
22. David Salom ESP Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R 1min 35.851s
23. Brendan Roberts AUS Guandalini Racing Ducati 1098R 1min 36.222s
24. Luca Scassa ITA Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R 1min 36.762s
25. Karl Muggeridge AUS Celani Suzuki GSX-R1000 1min 36.853s
26. Vittorio Iannuzzo ITA SCI Honda CBR1000RR 1mins 37.716s
27. Matteo Baiocco ITA PSG-1 Kawasaki ZX-10R 1min 37.866s
28. Ayrton Badovini ITA PSG-1 Kawasaki ZX-10R 1min 38.676s

[tha_jackal]

Hanspree Ten Kate boys looking very strong...

Worrying, dont wanna see a two horse race..

WSS Session 2 Results

1 1 Pitt A. AUS Honda CBR600RR 1'34.833 16
2 54 Sofuoglu K. TUR Honda CBR600RR 1'34.895 0.062 19
3 99 Foret F. FRA Yamaha YZF R6 1'35.063 0.230 19
4 24 McCoy G. AUS Triumph Daytona 675 1'35.431 0.598 15
5 35 Crutchlow C. GBR Yamaha YZF R6 1'35.469 0.636 18
6 8 Aitchison M. AUS Honda CBR600RR 1'35.589 0.756 17
7 13 West A. AUS Honda CBR600RR 1'35.641 0.808 19
8 69 Nannelli G. ITA Triumph Daytona 675 1'35.644 0.811 17
9 127 Harms R. DEN Honda CBR600RR 1'35.778 0.945 19
10 50 Laverty E. IRL Honda CBR600RR 1'35.833 1.000 19
11 14 Lagrive M. FRA Honda CBR600RR 1'35.885 1.052 19
12 77 Veneman B. NED Suzuki GSX-R600 1'35.947 1.114 19
13 26 Lascorz J. ESP Kawasaki ZX-6R 1'36.075 1.242 17
14 117 Praia M. POR Honda CBR600RR 1'36.220 1.387 21
15 51 Pirro M. ITA Yamaha YZF R6 1'36.234 1.401 14
16 21 Fujiwara K. JPN Kawasaki ZX-6R 1'36.247 1.414 17
17 55 Roccoli M. ITA Honda CBR600RR 1'36.286 1.453 15
18 105 Vizziello G. ITA Honda CBR600RR 1'36.493 1.660 18
19 83 Holland R. AUS Honda CBR600RR 1'36.915 2.082 16
20 5 Pradita T. INA Yamaha YZF R6 1'36.918 2.085 21
21 19 Szkopek P. POL Triumph Daytona 675 1'36.972 2.139 12
22 96 Smrz M. CZE Triumph Daytona 675 1'37.045 2.212 16
23 30 G?nther J. GER Honda CBR600RR 1'37.170 2.337 19
24 9 Dell'Omo D. ITA Honda CBR600RR 1'37.210 2.377 19
25 32 Lai F. ITA Honda CBR600RR 1'37.719 2.886 17
26 7 Vost?rek P. CZE Honda CBR600RR 1'37.740 2.907 18
27 28 Vos A. NED Honda CBR600RR 1'37.914 3.081 17
28 78 Geronimi S. AUS Suzuki GSX-R600 1'39.445 4.612 20
29 88 Guerra Y. ESP Yamaha YZF R6 1'40.133 5.300 14
30 71 Morillas J. ESP Yamaha YZF R6 1'40.523 5.690 8

[Wim_Impreza]

Great to see Jakub Smrž as the fastest rider in the first qualifying.

1 96 Smrž J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1'32.312
2 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1'32.569
3 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'32.623
4 76 Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'32.673
5 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'32.704
6 56 Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 1'32.928
7 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'32.932
8 19 Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 1'32.939
9 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1'32.971
10 9 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1'32.991
11 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1'32.995
12 55 Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098 RS 09 1'33.202
13 44 Rolfo R. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1'33.206
14 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1'33.224
15 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1'33.317
16 11 Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1'33.377
17 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'33.418
18 100 Tamada M. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'33.709
19 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'33.911
20 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1'34.080
21 33 Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'34.123
22 25 Salom D. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'34.487
23 24 Roberts B. (AUS) Ducati 1098R 1'35.123
24 31 Muggeridge K. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'35.716
25 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'35.759
26 77 Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1'36.103
27 15 Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'36.514
28 86 Badovini A. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'37.127

[leopard]

Smirz is a decent choice, has anyone completed riders line-up in the league? :)

[ChrisS]

Smirz is a decent choice, has anyone completed riders line-up in the league? :)

http://www.worldsbk.com/pubb_EN/riders.php

the list still lists Polita that was dropped.

As well as Lavilla that was known that he wont be at the first 2 races, David Checa of GMT94 and Roland Resch of TKR Suzuki are also missing from PI

[tannat]

My predictions

One WSBK as follows:

1) Smrz
2) Haslam
3) Haga

another as

1) Haga
2) Neukirchener
3) Nakano


Regardless, I think these six will figure prominently in the top 5 of both races....

[The Phantom]

Holy highsides Batman, I've been watching WSB since 1997 and I cannot recall such a diverse group of serious frontrunners! Last year I was upset when I missed the occasional MotoGP race; this year I'll be ropeable if I miss a single WSB race!

Wow wow wow wow... can't wait for Sunday!

[Wim_Impreza]

Ben Spies was the fastest in the Superpole and this in his first WSBK weekend ever. Biaggi on the new Aprilia is second, also great. I am very happy with the 4th place of my favourite, Jakub Smrž. Haga, Neukirchner and the whole Kawasaki team are disappointing, but it is 'only' the grid. Let's see what happend in the races, I am going to follow all the races live on the official WSBK site and you must know that it is 2 hour tonight when the first race started here. :)

Superpole results:
1 19 Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 1'31.069
2 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1'31.402
3 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'31.596
4 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1'31.600
5 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'31.837
6 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'32.112
7 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1'32.537
8 55 Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098 RS 09 1'32.649
9 56 Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 1'31.843
10 9 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1'31.860
11 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'31.867
12 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1'31.881
13 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1'31.907
14 76 Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'31.916
15 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1'32.119
16 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'32.719
17 11 Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1'32.873
18 44 Rolfo R. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1'32.997
19 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1'33.152
20 33 Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'33.363
21 24 Roberts B. (AUS) Ducati 1098R 1'33.588
22 100 Tamada M. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'33.709
23 86 Badovini A. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'34.174
24 25 Salom D. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'34.194
25 31 Muggeridge K. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'34.341
26 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'34.390
27 77 Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1'35.767
28 15 Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'36.363

[Wim_Impreza]

Sofuoğlu took the pole in World Supersport ahead of the surprising Joan Lascorz on a Kawasaki. Pitt is third and Crutclow is as expected the fastest Yamaha rider. West is only 12th.

World Supersport grid:
1 54 Sofuoğlu K. (TUR) Honda CBR600RR 1'34.320
2 26 Lascorz J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1'34.689
3 1 Pitt A. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 1'34.786
4 35 Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R6 1'34.875
5 50 Laverty E. (IRL) Honda CBR600RR 1'34.962
6 99 Foret F. (FRA) Yamaha YZF R6 1'35.063
7 51 Pirro M. (ITA) Yamaha YZF R6 1'35.086
8 24 McCoy G. (AUS) Triumph Daytona 675 1'35.187
9 8 Aitchison M. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 1'35.263
10 77 Veneman B. (NED) Suzuki GSX-R600 1'35.401
11 127 Harms R. (DEN) Honda CBR600RR 1'35.466
12 13 West A. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 1'35.585
13 69 Nannelli G. (ITA) Triumph Daytona 675 1'35.644
14 117 Praia M. (POR) Honda CBR600RR 1'35.680
15 14 Lagrive M. (FRA) Honda CBR600RR 1'35.795
16 21 Fujiwara K. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1'35.862
17 105 Vizziello G. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 1'35.871
18 55 Roccoli M. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 1'36.028
19 5 Pradita T. (INA) Yamaha YZF R6 1'36.341
20 96 Smrž M. (CZE) Triumph Daytona 675 1'36.350
21 83 Holland R. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 1'36.379
22 19 Szkopek P. (POL) Triumph Daytona 675 1'36.546
23 7 Vostárek P. (CZE) Honda CBR600RR 1'37.021
24 9 Dell'Omo D. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 1'37.075
25 30 Günther J. (GER) Honda CBR600RR 1'37.170
26 28 Vos A. (NED) Honda CBR600RR 1'37.344
27 32 Lai F. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 1'37.719
28 78 Geronimi S. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R600 1'38.590
29 71 Morillas J. (ESP) Yamaha YZF R6 1'38.638
30 88 Guerra Y. (ESP) Yamaha YZF R6 1'38.977

[tannat]

The superpole times dropped about a second from everyone's practice time!

Do they use a special super soft tire compound for superpole?

[ChrisS]

yes, in superpole they can use qualifying tyres

[axxexs]

The superpole times dropped about a second from everyone's practice time!

Do they use a special super soft tire compound for superpole?

And less fuel and higher rpm to.

[Rod Richardson]

Audio interviews after Superpole- Spies-Biaggi-Rea-Smrz-Corser and one with Sofouglu
http://www.mcnews.com.au/MotorcycleRacing2009/Superbike/Rnd_1/Saturday/Interviews.htm

[jim mcglinchey]

whoohoo, GSXR thous second and third, and nearly first and third, great race!

[Wim_Impreza]

Yes, absolutely. I enjoyed it a lot. What a great field and fights.

[tha_jackal]

Really happy for Haga to win, would be a great relief for him ..

Supersport race was off the wall, really amazingly exciting racing..

Delighted for Westy but also for Kenan, who had a really tough time of it last year..

Going to be a cracking season especially if Laverty and Crutchlow can find that little bit extra..

Cant wait for SBK race 2 now :D

[maxu05]

Great race, Nori did well to get up there as quick as he did. It could have gone either way though. Well done to Corser as well, 8th for BMW's debut is not too shabby. The only downside is the pathetic commentary on Foxtel prior to and after the race from McGee and the other chap,(don't remember his name). McGee might have been a fine rider, but he shouldn't be there on tv, he was woeful.

[Wim_Impreza]

Great racing in race 2 too as expected. Nice to see Stiggy has much success with the 3rd place for West in WSS and the 3rd place for Haslam in WSBK race 2.

The Xerox Ducati's were unbelievable fast in the corners. Good weekend for Haga with his performances and incredible fast starts. For me the most surprising performance of the weekend, is Régis Laconi. Last year I thought he must go to retire because he hasn't enough speed there and a lot of crashes, but he surprised me. Kyonari did not very well for one of the title contenders, but he had also last year a bad start in the first races.

Congratulations to Spies for his first, and absolutely not the latest, WSBK win.

WSS was also very good, but the result was as expected. Hopefully Ten Kate won't win again most of the rounds, but I am afraid of it. Neverless, it has been a fantastic race and there were the whole race a lot of fights.

[ChrisS]

After a long of season I was looking forward for some great racing and SBK didn't disappoint

Haga had a great start of the season despite the bad qualifying. Spies showed he is a true talent.

I was impressed by Haslam and Laconi, they punched way above their weight. Stiggy racing is doing some great work on its Hondas (both in SBK and SS) given they are a much smaller team that Ten Kate the top Honda team.

With all the preseason talk about the new Aprilia, BMW, Yamaha etc... I did not expect such performance by Suzuki in race 1, I hope their consistency improves.

Kawasaki, was once again disappointing, despite all the talk of factory support etc they failed to score points.

SS was a fantastic race from start to finish. I'm sure Sofuoglu, West and Laverty are really happy to be fighting for wins once again

[The Phantom]

What a great opener. Spies is the man! He and Haga are going to have some fantastic battles this year.

[Rod Richardson]

What an absolute blast!

Special mentions IMO warranted over the stellar performances of newcomers Spies, Haslam and a recycled and rejuvenated West as well as Stiggy Honda (hope they pick up well deserved sponsorship) Aprilia and BMW who showed their potential as forces to be reckoned with.

I hope that Celani can get Muggers' Suzuki going somewhere near as hard as the Nuke's bike.

[leopard]

Perhaps, the appearance of Aprilia and BMW this season is a remarkable notation. With more experience in racing Aprilia was supposed to outpace BMW performance, but the problem is not as such simple as it seems. There is probability that former boss of Biaggi, as reported here (http://www.motogpmatters.com/news/2009/03/01/francis_batta_the_aprilia_is_illegal_in_.html) Franciss Batta will pledge a formal complaint that RSV4 is categorized as prototype bike and hence shouldn't be allowed racing in WSBK. In the event of the RSV4 riders finished in front of the GSXs it's likely the complaint was taken into effect yesterday. How do you see this?

The team riders abruptly changed right before the race commenced may result the same complaint. ;)

[tannat]

How do you see this?

The team riders abruptly changed right before the race commenced may result the same complaint. ;)

I guess the season needs some controversy. The tongue will get shaper if the Aprilia's start really performing..


I don't see Phillip Island as a very demanding circuit-fast sweepers with a few really tight corners. Losail will be a better measure of the BMW and Aprilia entries...

[Roby44]

Great race, Nori did well to get up there as quick as he did. It could have gone either way though. Well done to Corser as well, 8th for BMW's debut is not too shabby. The only downside is the pathetic commentary on Foxtel prior to and after the race from McGee and the other chap,(don't remember his name). McGee might have been a fine rider, but he shouldn't be there on tv, he was woeful.

Magee was a great rider in his day before the dreadful accident that could have claimed his life, this is why he isn't too quick with replies on TV. In person he talks well, I guess some people just can't get used to the cameras..He does know a lot about racing though..

** Yes I'm a Kevin Magee fan!!! LOL.. Got the collectionto prove it too!! :)

[Roby44]

Did anyone tape the Superbike races from The Island??

[ChrisS]

I guess the season needs some controversy. The tongue will get shaper if the Aprilia's start really performing..


I don't see Phillip Island as a very demanding circuit-fast sweepers with a few really tight corners. Losail will be a better measure of the BMW and Aprilia entries...

Actually Phillip Island is one of the most demanding circuits of the calendar. both for rider and bike.

There is only one short straight for the riders to rest, for the rest of the circuit they need to be 'on'.

The turns require high lean-angles while going at high speed for a long period and require rapid changes of direction. The bike needs to be nimble, handle good at high-speed while it also needs to be stable, not an easy thing to do.

The long left-hand turns are very hard on tyres so again having a bike thats easy on the tyres helps a lot.

Rider ability and bravery are also needed. Going into turn one and taking the final left-hander out to the start/finish are a test to a riders nerves. Also an ability to race on worn out tyres is really important near the end of the race.

[KennySmith]

Did anyone tape the Superbike races from The Island??

I've got both WSB races on DVD, Roby, and am expecting the WSS race tomorrow.
When I'm done with them, I can post them to you, if you want, but they'll take a few days to get to you from the UK.

PM me your address if you want them, and I'll get them to you ASAP after I've watched WSS.

[Roby44]

Thanks that would be great...They interviewed Roby before the second race and that is the bit I'm really looking for...
I'll send you a PM...

[Roby44]

A few** Roby pictures...

** I have lots!! :)



http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a20/MareeBrooks/IMG_0043.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a20/MareeBrooks/IMG_0049.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a20/MareeBrooks/IMG_0050.jpg



http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a20/MareeBrooks/IMG_0058.jpg

[KennySmith]

Sorry mate - no Roby interview on my DVD, the lad who recorded it only put the actual racing on the disc :(

[tannat]

Actually Phillip Island is one of the most demanding circuits of the calendar. both for rider and bike.

There is only one short straight for the riders to rest, for the rest of the circuit they need to be 'on'.

The turns require high lean-angles while going at high speed for a long period and require rapid changes of direction. The bike needs to be nimble, handle good at high-speed while it also needs to be stable, not an easy thing to do.

The long left-hand turns are very hard on tyres so again having a bike thats easy on the tyres helps a lot.

Rider ability and bravery are also needed. Going into turn one and taking the final left-hander out to the start/finish are a test to a riders nerves. Also an ability to race on worn out tyres is really important near the end of the race.


Okay-so its no easy circuit....

But you will have a hard time convincing me it's a more demanding circuit than Losail...

[patnicholls]

Ah, three great races with so much to talk about.

Nori getting his first good start for the season in years (and did anyone notice in the interviews - his English has got a *lot* better over the winter - surprising as he lived in England during 2004 and it never improved at all! :p ), Ben Spies sensational on his debut weekend [he actually had two off-track moments in race one], two new bikes with the Aprilia and BMW both pretty competitive straight away, and a whole heap of Brits getting onto the world stage with varying results.

Star of the weekend was for me Leon Haslam - taking a podium first time out for a new team to Superbikes was a stunning achievement. Arguably the finest performances of his career, considering the field he's in.

[Roby44]

Sorry mate - no Roby interview on my DVD, the lad who recorded it only put the actual racing on the disc :(

Thats ok... Thanks for the offer anyway....It is really all about the race isn't it!!

Nori getting his first good start for the season in years (and did anyone notice in the interviews - his English has got a *lot* better over the winter - surprising as he lived in England during 2004 and it never improved at all! :p ),.

I did notice. Maybe Ducati give private English speaking lessons. :) It's certainly making it easier for him to express himself.
Yes, great start to the season all round.

[The Phantom]

I've always enjoyed Haga's Italian-accented English :p

Mates who were trackside reckon the new R1 sounds just as good as the M1... some of them have been into dealerships this week to arrange testrides :)

Nice touch for Spies to ask Bayliss to autograph his Race 2 winners trophy! Somehow I can't imagine anyone doing that in MotoGP...

[tha_jackal]

I've always enjoyed Haga's Italian-accented English :p

I dont know about you, but to me Haga speaks with more of a Japanese-accented English IMO.. :confused: ;)

He likes to ramble too! Could talk underwater ahah..

Must be amazingly hard to get across exactly what he wants in a foreign language, but he did very well, as has been mentioned..

[racer69]

The only downside is the pathetic commentary on Foxtel prior to and after the race from McGee and the other chap,(don't remember his name). McGee might have been a fine rider, but he shouldn't be there on tv, he was woeful.

The other guy is David Murdoch, i think he is more the problem out of the two, there is just no chemistry there between them (i don't think Murdoch has ever been that interested... and they've been presenting since 2001)

Back in 2000 when it was Warren Smith with Magee, it was a fantastic pairing. They called all the races as well, and were a great team. Smith knew his stuff as well..... however for 2001 and beyond he has called NRL games for Foxtel.

[Roby44]

The other guy is David Murdoch, i think he is more the problem out of the two, there is just no chemistry there between them (i don't think Murdoch has ever been that interested... and they've been presenting since 2001)

Back in 2000 when it was Warren Smith with Magee, it was a fantastic pairing. They called all the races as well, and were a great team. Smith knew his stuff as well..... however for 2001 and beyond he has called NRL games for Foxtel.

David likes to be the center of attention.... :rolleyes: Kevin is the one with all the knowledge... :)

[Rod Richardson]

Go a bit easy with the criticism of Murdoch and Magoo. What's this "chemistry" stuff about ???? I never seen either of them with a handbag and Magoo's not that pretty anyway.

I'll defend both of them and believe they've done a darn good job throughout the season over many years. Magoo was a really gutsy rider and is a straight-up guy who really knows his subject.

These guys are required to ad-lib for the 30 minutes prior to crossing to the track then ad-lib the autopsy on completion with Murdoch coming up with the questions and occasional opinion and Magoo responding and sometimes faltering over whatever time it takes for the next scheduled advertisement or show to come on.

If anyone believes there's a former rider somewhere with perfect oratory abilities for live broadcasting as well as the riding and technical skills that Magoo possesses then they know more than I do.

[The Phantom]

I dont know about you, but to me Haga speaks with more of a Japanese-accented English IMO.. :confused: ;)

When Haga went to Yamaha Italia some years ago his English was almost non-existent, and he proceeded to improve it with his team, meaning he picked up all the inflections that Italians use when speaking English... check out some interviews from the last few years and you'll understand (not recent interviews, as mentioned his English has improved out of sight).

I think Magoo and Murdoch do ok, Murdoch's knowledge has vastly improved since he started doing the telecasts. At least they are not as bad as Greg Rust and Daryl Beattie (and if someone so much as mentions Lee Diffey I'll punch them on the nose!!!).

[leopard]

Haga speaks japanese while we don't, he has a point higher than us. From what I know Japanese accent pronounced distinctly. Make sure everything works fine when listening to him. :)

[racer69]

These guys are required to ad-lib for the 30 minutes prior to crossing to the track then ad-lib the autopsy on completion with Murdoch coming up with the questions and occasional opinion and Magoo responding and sometimes faltering over whatever time it takes for the next scheduled advertisement or show to come on.

If anyone believes there's a former rider somewhere with perfect oratory abilities for live broadcasting as well as the riding and technical skills that Magoo possesses then they know more than I do.

No one's having a go at Magee, i was just saying that the combo of Warren Smith and Magee was better than the current one.....

... was also a shame Fox Sports don't present from the track these days, a few years back they'd even show all the support races at the WSB round at the Island

[NinjaMaster]

Wow, has there ever been a better start to a racing season? It had everything. The new qualifying requires tactics and caught a few out. Haga showed he has indeed adapted to the Ducati whilst Ben Spies is adapting to everything! The Aprilia's are fast straight out of the box and the BMW in Corsers hands set the race 1 fastest lap so plenty to work with there. So with almost all the manufacturers able to run at the pointy end over the course of the weekend apart from Kawasaki :cry: , the opening round really lived up to everything that could possibly have been hoped of it.

And that was just the more 'sedate' superbike racing. Then there were the supersports that returned to the frantic days of old. The 15-strong freight train for the first half of the race was amazing, West's ride was inspiring and the finish was enthralling.

And of course Phillip Island dished up all the different weather it could muster across the weekend with a scorching 36 degrees c on Friday, cold and a howling wind on Saturday and some early rain before windy but mild conditions on Sunday. So overall, it was indicative of the series - a bit of everything!



I think Magoo and Murdoch do ok, Murdoch's knowledge has vastly improved since he started doing the telecasts. At least they are not as bad as Greg Rust and Daryl Beattie (and if someone so much as mentions Lee Diffey I'll punch them on the nose!!!).

Amen to that. Magee struggles to string a sentence together but he know's his stuff and he's still streets ahead of Steve Martin.

[NinjaMaster]

Some photos from the Island. Sorry for the delay but hope you enjoy.


A quite impressive Roby Rolfo proved to be fairly quick over the weekend.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Roby.jpg


Yukio Kagayama had an impressive race 1.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Yukio.jpg


Haga had his best start to the championship for a long time.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Nori.jpg


Broc was clearly the quickest Kwak rider by a long way but for all the pre-season promise, it's looking like a long year.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Parkesy.jpg


Tommy Hill showed some surprising speed.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Hill.jpg

[NinjaMaster]

Leon Haslam was a surprise podium getter
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Haslam.jpg


whilst Kiyonari on his HRC Honda was the disappointment of the round.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Kiyo.jpg


"Where'd Ben go? I swear I saw him around a minute ago!" Corser already has the Beamer showing some competitive speed.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Corser.jpg


The best looking bikes on the grid, the sexy Aprilia RSV4's of Biaggi and Nakano.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Aprilia.jpg


Crutchlow has taken to supersport like a duck to water.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Cal.jpg

[NinjaMaster]

Mark Aitchison looks to be a top 5 supersport contender.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Aitcho.jpg


Westy - he's back!
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Westy.jpg


McCoy and the Trumpy showed early pace but struggled in the race.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/McCoy.jpg


Lascorz on the new ZX6R showed some promising signs of seeing team green towards the pointy end of Supersport in 2009.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Lascorz.jpg


A solid crowd was on hand on raceday.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Crowd.jpg

[NinjaMaster]

Lap 1, Race 1, Round 1, 2009 - Jonathon Rea gets the holeshot for the early lead.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/R1-1stLap.jpg


But Shakey Byrnes start to the season was short lived after a highside coming out of MG corner.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Shakey-Bike.jpg


He needed a few minutes to collect his thoughts after hitting the tire barrier.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Shakey-Ambo.jpg


Neukirchner reminding people that he's a considerable threat to the title this year, battling with Haga for the lead...
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/R1-LeadBattle.jpg


...before Nori eventually got the better of him.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Haga-R1Lead.jpg

[NinjaMaster]

A Kawasaki in the lead! Lascorz leads 1st lap of WSS race.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/SS-1stLap.jpg


Laverty leads a remarkable freight train of 600 supersports.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Laverty-LeadTrain.jpg


Eventually, it became a 3-man fight for the lead. Here, West has the lead in the dying laps.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/West-Lead.jpg


Race 2 of superbike and it looks like Haga is on for the double.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Haga-R2Lead.jpg


But Spies wasn't about to let that happen.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Spies-Lead.jpg

[NinjaMaster]

It really is a shame that traction control is ruining the spectacle of motorcycle racing. ;) This a lap before Corser nearly highsided on the final lap.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Corser-Fun.jpg


Elbowz was justifiably happy with his race 2 success.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Spies-Happy.jpg


And I walked away a happy-chappy from the weekend having witnessed some incredible racing (including the local support events) and picking up a PSG-1 Kawasaki polo shirt signed by Ayrton Badovini and Matteo Baiocco for a fire victims relief donation. Woohoo!

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Shirt1.jpg http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/NinjaMaster95/WSB%202009/Shirt2.jpg

[Corny]

seeing this pictures: I would say you can get real close to the track on Philip Island!

[tha_jackal]

excellent work clint!

looks like you had an amazing weekend.

[leopard]

good job Ninja... but, where is the grid girl? ;)

[Roby44]

The auction was great wasn't it......

I missed the Roby stuff as I was stilll in the paddock talking to him when they went up for auction!! :(

A friend bought 2 pair of boots, and 1 pair actually fit him!!, and 2 ducati shirts!!