The 2018 WorldSBK field is now preparing to head Down Under for the start of the 2018 championship at Phillip Island on February 23-25 following the completion of European testing at Jerez and Portimao over the last week.
Familiar names have again graced the top of the timesheets in Europe, with Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) the fastest in the two-day hitout at Jerez on January 23-24, before his world title-holding teammate Jonathan Rea took over the top spot at the undulating Portimao layout in Portugal on January 28-29.
At Jerez, Sykes was the pacesetter ahead of Rea, while Leon Camier continued his impressive form for new employer Red Bull Honda in third position. Marco Melandri (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), Eugene Laverty (Milwaukee Aprilia) and Jordi Torres (MV Agusta) filled positions 4-6.
Pata Yamaha pair Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark were seventh and eighth, while world No.2 Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was well back in 11th, one spot behind the returning Loris Baz (GULF Althea BMW).
Turkey’s Toprak Razgatlioglu (Puccetti Kawasaki) was the pick of the WorldSBK rookies.
When the WorldSBK caravan hit Portugal, it was Rea’s turn to take the front running ahead of Lowes, Camier, van der Mark, Razgatlioglu, Sykes, Laverty, Davies, Melandri and Torres.
“We have ticked all the boxes and the feeling with the bike has improved. I have woken up, because in Jerez last week I was still fast but I did not feel 100 per cent on the bike. Here I was much better on the first laps.”
Said Rea.
American PJ Jacobsen (TripleM Honda) also joined the paddock at Portimao after missing Jerez, and completed the test just ahead of his countryman and fellow rookie Jake Gagne (Red Bull Honda).
Kawasaki will be the most represented manufacturer on the WorldSBK grid in 2018 with six bikes, followed by Ducati, Yamaha and Honda with three apiece. Aprilia and Suzuki are next with two each, and then MV Agusta and BMW with the single entries.
Nothing Beats World Superbikes Live At The Island
The WorldSBK and WorldSSP teams will now pack their containers before making the long trek to Australia, with the final pre-season test to be held at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on February 19-20 ahead of the Yamaha Finance-backed season opener for the 2018 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship.
World Superbikes is super affordable with a 3 Day General Admission ticket just $120*. In an absolute first for World Superbikes at the Island, all 3 Day ticket holders in 2018 gain FREE Paddock access, bringing the fans closer to the stars. Once in the paddock, you can attend autograph sessions, rider media conferences and enjoy the on-stage entertainment.
Step it up a notch in Bar SBK for only $260* and capture all of the exhilarating action from the circuit’s optimum viewing locations or opt for a VIP Hospitality package.
And as always with World Superbikes Kids 15 & under are FREE**
Nothing beats World Superbikes…Live At The Island.
Book your tickets for the 2018 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, Yamaha Finance Round, Phillip Island, February 23 – 25 2018.
Book Your 2018 World Superbike Tickets Here
For more information contact the circuit on the toll free World Superbike Hotline 1300 728 007 or www.worldsbk.com.au
*All ticket prices quoted purchased in advance and subject to Ticketek processing fee.
**Children 15 and under are free and must be accompanied by a paying adult.
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