Lights Go Green in WorldSBK: Final Day of Testing has Begun
The moment that many have been waiting for, it’s time for the World Superbike field to take to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit for the final day of the official test before the season fires away.
Due to logistical reasons, the usual Australian Test schedule was amended, which meant that while yesterday was all about World Supersport, today is set for a full eight hours of testing for World Superbikes, split into two sessions.
The major question that is looming is, will the World Superbike times follow suit of yesterday’s World Supersport outright lap record pace?
Philipp Oettl [GMT94 Yamaha] was the first rider to exit pit lane, 9 minutes into the four-hour session, followed next by the Andrea Iannone [Team GoEleven], Danilo Petrucci [Barni Spark Racing Team] and Dominique Aegerter [GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team].
Toprak Razgatlioglu [ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team] wasted no time, and was the first rider to lap into the 1:29s within his first few laps of the 4.445 kilometre circuit, eventually boxing after 11 laps completed.
Razgatlioglu’s flying lap of a 1:29.904 is only half-a-second away from his pole position time set last year while onboard Yamaha machinery, and inching closer to Tom Sykes’ all-time lap record of a 1:29.230 set back in 2020.
Nicolo Bulega [Aruba.it Racing – Ducati] has also shown that his fast pace extends further than just the European circuits, and after an hour into the first Free Practice session has found himself comfortably in second place with a 1:30.302, followed next by Andrea Iannone who, after 11 laps, completed his fastest time of a 1:30.426.
Alex Lowes [Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK] and Andrea Locatelli [Pata Prometeon Yamaha] both round out the Top 5 on the conclusion of the first hour, and our Australian talent Remy Gardner [GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team] has slotted into eighth place with his fastest time of 1:31.223 after 11 laps.
You can access the WorldSBK Free Live Timing Page Here, providing you with the latest information and timekeeping throughout today.
Tuesday, February 20th
09:10-13:10 – WorldSBK Free Practice 1
13:40-17:40 – WorldSBK Free Practice 2
Written by: Tayla Relph
Images by: Russell Colvin
