The first two free practice sessions making up the opening WorldSBK round at Phillip Island in Australia played out today.
Following the winter tests and official test sessions earlier this week at the same Australian track, Tito Rabat (1’30”978) and Bahattin Sofuoglu (1’31”088), who debuts in the category this weekend, were on track for the first free practice sessions, which they concluded in eighteenth and twentieth position respectively.
During the afternoon session, also due to higher temperatures, neither of the Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team riders were able to improve on their FP1 times. Sofuoglu finished twentieth (1’31”235), just ahead of Rabat (1’31”303).
Saturday’s schedule will see the riders on track for a third free practice, Superpole and Race 1.
“We used the two free practice sessions of this first championship round to collect important data in preparation for the races. Bahattin continues to adapt to this category, while Tito had a few technical issues today, but we’re sure that tomorrow we can continue to grow with both riders.”
“It was a difficult day. During the first session, we had a problem with the bike that forced us to adjust our original work plan, and this also conditioned the afternoon session. Temperatures were also higher than they were during the official tests, another factor that impacted on our work to find a setup that would allow me to push as hard as I’d have liked. I’m sure we can make up for this tomorrow though.”
“I made my official Superbike debut today. My team and I focused on the electronics, and then on the areas of the bike we want to improve, but we didn’t make any radical changes. In the afternoon, temperatures were higher and the track offered less grip, so we were unable to improve. But we have constantly closed the gap separating us from the front and this means we’re working in the right direction. So I think we can take another step forward tomorrow.”
