The official tests which took place today in Australia on the Phillip Island track concluded the Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team's preparation program for the first round of the 2024 WorldSBK.
For Sandro Carusi's team and its rider Bradley Ray it was a very important day, which allowed the Englishman to become familiar with a completely new track for him and his technical staff to adapt the YZF-R1 to a very particular track, on which the definition of the right set up and tire wear take on significant importance.
In the first session of the morning Ray set a time of 1'31"675, while in the second, despite the temperatures being much higher, he managed to significantly improve his best time, bringing it to 1'30"559.
The next track date is now set for Friday 23 February, for the first day of the first round of the 2024 WorldSBK, which will take place on the same Australian track.
The Phillip Island circuit is located on the island of the same name, in the Victoria region and is universally recognized as one of the most spectacular in the world. It runs through undulating terrain, which in some places is very close to the sea. It was built in 1956 and has a total length of 4,445 km. with 12 curves, of which 5 on the right and 7 on the left. Pole position is on the left.
Through this link you can consult the program of the Australian weekend:
https://www.worldsbk.com/en/event/AUS/2024
“Today's test was very useful for getting to know the Phillip Island circuit. We focused above all on tire management which is a fundamental aspect on this track. I'm very confident ahead of our first race in Australia."
“I'm very happy with how today's tests went. It was my first time at Phillip Island and it took me almost half a day to learn the track well without being able to push hard. My lap time dropped every time we went out on track and the improvements were continuous. I worked very well with the team and we worked especially on tire wear in order to do well in the race weekend that we will face from Friday. I'm confident for the start of the season and I thank all the guys in the team who did an excellent job."
