While the opening rounds of the 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship were met with wet conditions across Europe, the Australian summer delivered perfect weather at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, giving both WorldSBK and WorldSSP their first full dry test day of the new season.
World Supersport rolled out first at 9:10am for a 1 hour and 50 minute session. Within the opening 10 minutes, Can Oncu from Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing broke into the 1’34s, setting the early benchmark as lap times continued to fall.
One of the standout performers was Australian Oli Bayliss [PTR Triumph Factory Racing]. He finished both FP1 and FP2 inside the top three, and his 1’32.885 set in the morning session secured him second fastest overall for the day, placing him firmly among the early contenders.
Jaume Masia made an early statement in World Supersport, leading the way across both sessions on Day 1. The Spaniard set the outright benchmark in FP1 with a 1’32.541s and remained on top in the afternoon thanks to a 1’32.866s, signalling strong pace straight out of the box in his second season.
Australia’s Oli Bayliss continued his impressive home form, finishing just 0.344s shy of Masia on the combined times. After already showing speed earlier in the day, Bayliss looks well positioned to challenge at his home round.
Philipp Oettl also carried momentum into Phillip Island. Comfortable aboard the Ducati Panigale V2 after extensive running at Jerez and Portimao, the German secured top three finishes in both sessions, with a best of 1’32.991s in FP1.
Your combined WorldSSP top six from Day 1: Full results HERE!
1. Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) 1’32.866s
2. Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) +0.346s
3. Oli Bayliss (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) +0.550s
4. Josh Whatley (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) +0.593s
5. Lucas Mahias (GMT94-YAMAHA) +0.769s
6. Alessandro Zaccone (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) +0.774s
