Bike Night Set to Fire Up Sydney Dragway This Friday | Motorcycle drag racing returns to Western Sydney this week, with Bike Night set to light up the strip at Sydney Dragway on Friday, March 20. Bring your bike out and have a go, it’s amazing fun and a great social night.
With less than a week to go, organisers are calling on riders and fans alike to head to Eastern Creek for an evening dedicated entirely to two wheels. Bike Night is designed for motorcycle enthusiasts who want to test their machines down the quarter-mile in a safe and controlled environment, while also enjoying the atmosphere of a packed dragway and the camaraderie of fellow riders.
Jeff having fun on his Kawasaki ZX-6R Project Bike at Bike Night. Pic: Cackling Pipes.
Competitors are encouraged to secure their entry online ahead of the event to guarantee a spot on the strip, as limited entries will be available at the gate.
The night offers riders the chance to run their street or race bike down the drag strip, whether they are seasoned drag racers chasing quick times or first-timers keen to experience the thrill of launching off the start line under the famous “Christmas tree” lights. The event also welcomes spectators, making it an easy Friday night outing for anyone who enjoys motorcycles and motorsport.
On the BikeReview Yamaha YZF-R1 at Bike Night, having an absolute blast. It’s top fun! Pic: Cackling Pipes.
Located on Ferrers Road in Eastern Creek, Sydney Dragway is a purpose-built quarter-mile drag racing facility that hosts a wide range of motorsport events throughout the year, including state championship racing and regular street-style race nights.
Our BMW S 1000 RR Project Bike liked nothing better than to stretch its throttle at Bike Night. Pic: Cackling Pipes.
All patrons and competitors must enter via Competitor Entry (Gate A). For riders looking to unleash their bike down the strip or simply soak up the atmosphere, Bike Night promises an action-packed evening celebrating motorcycle performance and community.
Bike Night is proudly supported by Sydney Random Riders, Heavy Duty Magazine, Hawkesbury Motorcycles & Sy’s Harley Davidson
Todd Chapman on his Rapid Bikes Castrol Honda at Bike Night a few years ago. Pic: Cackling Pipes.
Tickets and competitor entries are available now, with organisers recommending early booking to avoid missing out on track time. Cost to run is $63.75. Full pricing and to book your ride, Click here.
Gear Requirements
Helmet: Approved Standard full-face helmet. For example: AS/NZS 1698 or AS/NZS 1698:2006; ECE R22-05; M2015 or M2020 minimum.
Jacket: Purpose-made motorcycle riding jacket. Leather or DriRider/Kevlar-style with all armour inserted. DriRider/Kevlar-style jackets need to have all armour inserted, this includes a back protector.
Pants: Full-length jeans or workwear style cargo pants minimum. Strongly recommend leathers or Kevlar. Track suit pants not permitted.
Gloves: Full leather gloves required. Material gloves not permitted.
Boots: Purpose-made riding boots or lace-up boots that fully cover the ankles. Elastic-sided boots, track shoes/runners not permitted.
Bezzecchi dominates Buriram opener as Acosta leads championship after Buriram Thailand thriller. The Aprilia star storms to victory in Thailand ahead of Acosta and Fernandez, while a puncture ends Marc Marquez’s race and Ducati’s podium streak. Report: PitBoard/MotoGP Press
Friday Practice and Saturday Qualifying MotoGP
Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing #72) wasted no time stamping his authority on the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship, smashing the Buriram lap record on Friday with a stunning 1:28.526. The Italian’s effort bettered his own test benchmark and left the field chasing shadows on the opening day of the season.
Bezzecchi completed a clean sweep of Friday by topping both sessions, finishing four tenths clear of reigning World Champion Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team #93), who salvaged second late in the session after briefly looking at risk of missing the automatic Q2 spots.
Read our other race content here… and Full Qualifying from Buriram here...
Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team #49) completed the top three after leading the timesheets for much of the session, showing impressive consistency across his runs. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing #37) continued his strong pre-season form in fourth, while Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing #89) returned to competition in style to claim fifth despite a small crash earlier in the day.
Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP #73) ended the day sixth ahead of Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol #36), who was Honda’s top performer in seventh. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing #33) secured a Q2 berth in eighth, while rookie Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team #79) finished ninth despite a late fall at Turn 7. Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR #5) rounded out the top ten.
The biggest shock of the session came for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team #63), who failed to improve late in the session and ended Practice down in 15th, forcing the two-time MotoGP champion into Q1.
Moto2
2025 Thai Grand Prix winner Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP #18) picked up where he left off by topping Friday’s rain-hit Moto2 Practice with a new all-time lap record of 1:34.501.
Agius got Pole in Moto2.
Alex Escrig (KLINT Racing Team #11) and Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2 #28) completed the top three, separated by just 0.185 seconds, while several high-profile names were caught out by worsening conditions.
David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team #80) was among the riders left frustrated after rain arrived in Sector 1 late in the session, dropping the Colombian to 22nd and forcing him into a stacked Q1 session alongside race winners including Alonso Lopez, Joe Roberts, Tony Arbolino, Deniz Öncü and Aron Canet. Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team #27) and Mario Aji (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia #64) finished fourth and fifth respectively, while Australia’s Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP #81) impressed with sixth fastest.
Moto3
Moto3’s opening day in Thailand saw David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP #22) set the early pace as the Spaniard topped Friday’s Practice session. Almansa was the only rider to dip into the 1:40s with a best lap that left him just under a tenth clear of fellow Spaniard Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo #83). Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3 #73) completed the top three after an impressive showing for the Argentine.
Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team #28) finished fourth ahead of teammate Marco Morelli, while Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power #19) rounded out the top six in an all-KTM-heavy session. Honda’s best performer was rookie Jesus Rios (Rivacold Snipers Team #74) in seventh, just ahead of Indonesian debutant Veda Pratama (Honda Team Asia #54). Irish rider Casey O’Gorman (SIC58 Squadra Corse #67) also impressed in 13th, securing a direct place in Q2.
One of the big names to miss out was David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP #64), who ended the day 16th and was forced to fight through Q1.
Saturday Tissot Sprint
The 2026 MotoGP season erupted into life with an instant classic at Buriram as Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) claimed his first ever Sprint victory after a breathtaking duel with reigning World Champion Marc Marquez. The 13-lap dash delivered fireworks from the start as Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) initially led the race after an early scrap with Marquez before disaster struck on Lap 2 when the Italian crashed at Turn 8 while leading comfortably.
That moment handed the lead to Marquez, but Acosta immediately went on the attack. The KTM star launched multiple attempts at the Ducati rider over the following laps, each pass becoming increasingly aggressive as the tension built. Acosta finally made a decisive move late in the race, but contact between the pair on the penultimate lap brought the stewards into action. Marquez lunged up the inside at Turn 12 and made contact with Acosta, forcing the KTM rider wide.
Race Direction immediately launched an investigation and handed Marquez a one-position penalty. The Spaniard served it dramatically at the final corner, backing off to allow Acosta through before trying to strike back on the exit.
Acosta crossed the line to take his maiden Sprint win and become the first KTM rider to lead the MotoGP World Championship. Marquez held on for second, narrowly keeping Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team #25) behind as the Aprilia rider completed the podium. Fernandez’s teammate Ai Ogura finished fourth in an impressive performance for the Trackhouse squad, while Jorge Martin completed the top five on his return to racing with Aprilia. Further back, Brad Binder, Joan Mir and Fabio Di Giannantonio filled the next three positions, while Francesco Bagnaia salvaged the final Sprint point in ninth.
“This is an incredible way to start the season. The fight with Marc was intense and fair, and taking my first Sprint win like this feels amazing,”Acosta said.
Tissot Sprint Race Results
Pedro Acosta Red Bull KTM
Marc Marquez Ducati Lenovo (+0.000s)
Raul Fernandez Trackhouse Aprilia
Ai Ogura Trackhouse Aprilia
Jorge Martin Aprilia Racing
Sunday MotoGP
Marco Bezzecchi delivered the perfect response to his Sprint crash by dominating Sunday’s PT Grand Prix of Thailand and giving Aprilia Racing a dream start to the 2026 MotoGP season.
The Italian converted pole position into a commanding victory at Buriram, finishing comfortably ahead of Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) in a race packed with drama.
The result also ended Ducati’s remarkable podium streak of 88 consecutive Grands Prix, the first time since the 2021 British Grand Prix that no Ducati rider finished on the Sunday rostrum. Bezzecchi grabbed the holeshot at the start and immediately established a strong rhythm at the front, while Fernandez wasted no time attacking Marc Marquez for second place at Turn 7 on the opening lap.
Jorge Martin briefly joined the battle before Acosta began carving his way through the field. The KTM rider dispatched Marquez at Turn 12 and then fought his way past Martin to move into podium contention. As Bezzecchi controlled the race from the front, the fight behind intensified between Acosta, Fernandez and Marquez. The reigning champion remained within striking distance until disaster struck late in the race when a rear tyre puncture forced the Ducati rider to retire.
More drama followed when Alex Marquez crashed out at Turn 4 and Joan Mir was also forced to retire with tyre problems after running strongly inside the top six. With chaos unfolding behind him, Bezzecchi cruised to victory to secure his third consecutive Grand Prix win following his triumphs in Portugal and Valencia last season.
Acosta produced another superb ride to finish second and leave Thailand as the MotoGP World Championship leader, while Fernandez battled through shoulder pain to secure a double Round 1 podium for the Trackhouse Aprilia team.
Jorge Martin marked his return to racing with a strong fourth place finish ahead of rookie Ai Ogura, while Fabio Di Giannantonio was the top Ducati rider in sixth. Brad Binder finished seventh ahead of Franco Morbidelli and Francesco Bagnaia, while Luca Marini rounded out the top ten.
“It’s incredible to start the season like this. After the Sprint crash we stayed calm, trusted the bike and today everything worked perfectly,”Bezzecchi said.
MotoGP Race Results
Marco Bezzecchi Aprilia Racing
Pedro Acosta Red Bull KTM (+)
Raul Fernandez Trackhouse Aprilia (+)
Jorge Martin Aprilia Racing
Ai Ogura Trackhouse Aprilia
MotoGP Championship Points
Pedro Acosta Red Bull KTM – 32
Marco Bezzecchi Aprilia Racing – 25
Raul Fernandez Trackhouse Aprilia – 16
Jorge Martin Aprilia Racing – 13
Ai Ogura Trackhouse Aprilia – 11
Moto2
Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) launched his 2026 Moto2 title campaign in perfect fashion with victory in a dramatic season opener at Buriram.
The race was interrupted twice by red flags before a seven-lap sprint decided the outcome. Gonzalez eventually defeated Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) in a tense late-race duel, while Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) secured the final podium position.
Guevara initially grabbed the holeshot but early chaos saw several riders run wide, allowing Holgado to take the lead before the first red flag appeared following a crash involving Senna Agius, David Alonso and Filip Salac.
After a second restart and a seven-lap dash to the finish, Gonzalez stalked Guevara before making a decisive move at Turn 7 on the penultimate lap. Guevara attempted a final attack around the outside at the last corner but Gonzalez held firm to claim the opening victory of the season.
Moto2 Race Results Manuel Gonzalez Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP
Izan Guevara BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2 (+)
Daniel Holgado CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team (+)
Ivan Ortola QJMOTOR – Pont Grup – MSI
Collin Veijer Red Bull KTM Ajo
Moto2 Championship Points
Manuel Gonzalez – 25
Izan Guevara – 20
Daniel Holgado – 16
Ivan Ortola – 13
Collin Veijer – 11
Moto3
Moto3 delivered its usual chaos to kick off the 2026 season as David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) secured his maiden Grand Prix victory in a breathtaking final-corner showdown with Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team).
The pair battled throughout the race before Quiles launched a last-gasp attack at the final corner. Almansa defended perfectly and powered to the line to win by just 0.003 seconds — equalling the closest finish in Moto3 history.
Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) completed the podium after winning a late battle for third ahead of Alvaro Carpe.
Moto3 Race Results David Almansa Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP
Maximo Quiles CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar (+0.003s)
Valentin Perrone Red Bull KTM Tech3 (+)
Alvaro Carpe Red Bull KTM Ajo
Veda Pratama Honda Team Asia
It was a challenging opening round of the 2026 MotoGP season for Australia’s riders at Buriram.
Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) faced a tough weekend aboard the Yamaha package. After qualifying down in 18th, the Queenslander fought through the opening race but ultimately crossed the line in 15th place, finishing as the best of Yamaha’s four riders in the Thai Grand Prix despite the bike’s clear pace deficit.
In Moto3, Joel Kelso (GRYD – MLav Racing) endured a difficult race after showing flashes of speed earlier in the weekend. The Australian eventually finished 14th in the season opener, just over 17 seconds behind race winner David Almansa.
In Moto2, Senna Agius’ weekend was one of mixed fortunes. The young Australian delivered a stunning performance in qualifying to claim his first Moto2 pole position, but his race unravelled early after being caught up in a multi-rider incident that triggered the first red flag. Although able to take the restart, the drama effectively ended his chances of fighting for the podium.
Despite the tough start to the season for Australia’s contingent, all three riders will be eager to bounce back when the MotoGP paddock heads to Brazil for Round 2.
Round one of the Penrite Australian Superbike Championship delivered a fitting finale at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, with Jacob Roulstone and Harrison Voight claiming the SW-Motech Superbike honours in dramatically different fashion on Sunday. Press: ASBK Media Photos: RbMotoLens
L to R: Roulstone, Dunker and Voight.
Roulstone (Motocity Honda) produced one of the rides of the weekend in race two, launching from third position on the final lap to snatch his maiden ASBK Superbike victory in just his second start. In contrast, Voight (McMartin Racing Ducati) was untouchable in race three, delivering a clinical, front-running performance to underline his status as an early title favourite.
Tara Morrison around the outside.
With a 1-4-1 scorecard across the three races, Voight emerged as the overall round winner and leaves Phillip Island with a six-point championship lead over Roulstone, 68 points to 62, heading into round two at Sydney Motorsport Park on March 27–28. Cameron Dunker (Blue Marlin Pools Racing Yamaha) sits third overall on 56 points.
“I’m chuffed with how things have gone this weekend,”Voight said. “My pace was great, and even in the mixed conditions of race two I was thinking about the championship. Overall, it’s been a fantastic start to the year.”
R2-Start
SW-Motech Superbike
Light drizzle played a significant role in both 11-lap Superbike races, creating constant tyre-choice headaches for teams and riders. After a frantic switch to slicks following the sighting lap of race two, defending champion Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati) launched strongly and controlled the race until the closing moments.
Waters came under increasing pressure from Glenn Allerton before being overwhelmed on the final lap, with Dunker slicing through at Turn 2 and Roulstone diving past at Turn 4. Roulstone then executed a perfectly judged move on Dunker exiting Turn 10 to secure a sensational breakthrough Superbike victory. Waters held on for third ahead of Voight, Glenn Allerton, Anthony West, Mike Jones and Cru Halliday.
Race three belonged entirely to Voight. Breaking away from the pack almost immediately, the 19-year-old reeled off a blistering 1:30.855 on lap three – just shy of his own circuit benchmark – before managing his advantage as drizzle returned late in the race. It marked Voight’s third Superbike victory at Phillip Island in only seven starts.
Behind him, the battle for the podium remained intense. Roulstone briefly ran off on lap eight and dropped to seventh, but mounted a strong recovery to finish fourth behind Voight, Jonathan Nahlous and Dunker. West completed the top five ahead of Waters, Allerton and Jack Favelle. After round one, Waters sits fourth in the championship standings on 50 points, followed by Nahlous (47), West (45), Allerton (42) and Jones (42).
Tara Morrison (Kawasaki) who romped to a three-second start to finish victory in the shortened four-lapper.
Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen
Declared a wet race but ridden at dry-race intensity, the final Kawasaki Supersport/Supersport Next Gen encounter delivered one of the finishes of the season. Olly Simpson (DesmoSport Ducati) claimed victory by a scarcely believable 0.001 seconds after drafting past Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati) at the line.
Simpson had nearly thrown away his chances moments earlier with a near-crash at Turn 9, allowing Toparis to take lead. Refusing to concede, Simpson regrouped and struck back in the final metres to seal his second win of the weekend.
Tom Edwards (BCperformance Kawasaki) was close behind in third ahead of Jake Farnsworth, Hayden Nelson, Will Nassif, Roberto Tamburini and rookie Ghage Plowman. Tamburini leads the Supersport standings after round one on 69 points, while Simpson tops Supersport Next Gen from Edwards and Nelson.
Race and Road Supersport 300
Morning drizzle created sketchy conditions for the final Race and Road Supersport 300 race, but it mattered little to Tara Morrison (Kawasaki), who dominated the shortened four-lap encounter for a commanding three-second victory.
It marked Morrison’s third Phillip Island win in the past nine races and lifted her to third in the championship standings. Lincoln Knight (Yamaha) finished second, while Jordy Simpson completed a clean sweep of third places for the weekend. The 2026 ASBK Championship now moves to Sydney Motorsport Park for round two on March 27–28.
Round one of the Penrite Australian Superbike Championship delivered a fitting finale at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, with Jacob Roulstone and Harrison Voight claiming the SW-Motech Superbike honours in dramatically different fashion on Sunday. Press: ASBK Media Photos: RbMotoLens
L to R: Roulstone, Dunker and Voight.
Roulstone (Motocity Honda) produced one of the rides of the weekend in race two, launching from third position on the final lap to snatch his maiden ASBK Superbike victory in just his second start. In contrast, Voight (McMartin Racing Ducati) was untouchable in race three, delivering a clinical, front-running performance to underline his status as an early title favourite.
Tara Morrison around the outside.
With a 1-4-1 scorecard across the three races, Voight emerged as the overall round winner and leaves Phillip Island with a six-point championship lead over Roulstone, 68 points to 62, heading into round two at Sydney Motorsport Park on March 27–28. Cameron Dunker (Blue Marlin Pools Racing Yamaha) sits third overall on 56 points.
“I’m chuffed with how things have gone this weekend,”Voight said. “My pace was great, and even in the mixed conditions of race two I was thinking about the championship. Overall, it’s been a fantastic start to the year.”
R2-Start
SW-Motech Superbike
Light drizzle played a significant role in both 11-lap Superbike races, creating constant tyre-choice headaches for teams and riders. After a frantic switch to slicks following the sighting lap of race two, defending champion Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati) launched strongly and controlled the race until the closing moments.
Waters came under increasing pressure from Glenn Allerton before being overwhelmed on the final lap, with Dunker slicing through at Turn 2 and Roulstone diving past at Turn 4. Roulstone then executed a perfectly judged move on Dunker exiting Turn 10 to secure a sensational breakthrough Superbike victory. Waters held on for third ahead of Voight, Glenn Allerton, Anthony West, Mike Jones and Cru Halliday.
Race three belonged entirely to Voight. Breaking away from the pack almost immediately, the 19-year-old reeled off a blistering 1:30.855 on lap three – just shy of his own circuit benchmark – before managing his advantage as drizzle returned late in the race. It marked Voight’s third Superbike victory at Phillip Island in only seven starts.
Behind him, the battle for the podium remained intense. Roulstone briefly ran off on lap eight and dropped to seventh, but mounted a strong recovery to finish fourth behind Voight, Jonathan Nahlous and Dunker. West completed the top five ahead of Waters, Allerton and Jack Favelle. After round one, Waters sits fourth in the championship standings on 50 points, followed by Nahlous (47), West (45), Allerton (42) and Jones (42).
Tara Morrison (Kawasaki) who romped to a three-second start to finish victory in the shortened four-lapper.
Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen
Declared a wet race but ridden at dry-race intensity, the final Kawasaki Supersport/Supersport Next Gen encounter delivered one of the finishes of the season. Olly Simpson (DesmoSport Ducati) claimed victory by a scarcely believable 0.001 seconds after drafting past Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati) at the line.
Simpson had nearly thrown away his chances moments earlier with a near-crash at Turn 9, allowing Toparis to take lead. Refusing to concede, Simpson regrouped and struck back in the final metres to seal his second win of the weekend.
Tom Edwards (BCperformance Kawasaki) was close behind in third ahead of Jake Farnsworth, Hayden Nelson, Will Nassif, Roberto Tamburini and rookie Ghage Plowman. Tamburini leads the Supersport standings after round one on 69 points, while Simpson tops Supersport Next Gen from Edwards and Nelson.
Race and Road Supersport 300
Morning drizzle created sketchy conditions for the final Race and Road Supersport 300 race, but it mattered little to Tara Morrison (Kawasaki), who dominated the shortened four-lap encounter for a commanding three-second victory.
It marked Morrison’s third Phillip Island win in the past nine races and lifted her to third in the championship standings. Lincoln Knight (Yamaha) finished second, while Jordy Simpson completed a clean sweep of third places for the weekend. The 2026 ASBK Championship now moves to Sydney Motorsport Park for round two on March 27–28.
A perfect weekend for Nicolo Bulega and a great weekend for Bimota. After claiming Superpole and winning the Superpole Race earlier in the day, the Aruba.it Racing Ducati rider completed the clean sweep by dominating Race 2 of the 2026 WorldSBK season opener. Photos: WorldSBK
Nicolo Bulega celebrates over the line, “The track became quite slippery but I managed to win again. I’m really happy.”
TISSOT SUPERPOLE RACE
Sunday morning’s Tissot Superpole Race proved unpredictable as light rain fell shortly before the start, creating mixed grip conditions and forcing riders to adapt on slick tyres.
Starting from the middle of the front row, Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) quickly asserted control, stalking early leader Yari Montella before making a decisive move at Turn 10 once the rain intensified. From there, Bulega managed the conditions superbly to secure his second win of the day and maximum points heading into Race 2. Montella made a dream start, claiming the holeshot into Turn 1 and leading his first-ever WorldSBK laps.
The Barni Spark Racing Team rider held firm in the early stages but gradually slipped back as the rain increased, eventually finishing just outside the podium in fourth. The Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team enjoyed a breakthrough result, with Axel Bassani and Alex Lowes delivering a double podium for the Italian manufacturer. Bassani’s second place marked his first WorldSBK podium since 2023, while Lowes successfully defended third under pressure from Montella in the closing laps.
Behind the podium fight, Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) and Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) ran closely together throughout, while Alvaro Bautista and Iker Lecuona capitalised on the conditions to recover from deep grid positions and secure valuable points and improved starting positions for Race 2.
TISSOT SUPERPOLE RACE – Top 10 Results
1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
2. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +2.752s
3. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +3.563s
4. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team)
5. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team)
6. Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team)
7. Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team)
8. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha)
9. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
10. Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)
A torrential downpour made Race 2 treacherous, but Bulega converted pole into the lead and controlled the race throughout. He was over a second clear after one lap, five seconds ahead at half distance and 11 seconds in front at the flag in a masterclass of wet-weather riding.
Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) started from the front row and battled the Lowes brothers early on before settling into third for much of the race. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) showed strong pace and passed Bassani on Lap 2, but crashed heavily at Turn 9 on Lap 16. His misfortune promoted teammate Alvaro Bautista to his first podium of the season.
A torrential downpour made Race 2 treacherous, but Bulega converted pole into the lead and controlled the race.
Tarran Mackenzie (MGM Optical Express Racing) capitalised on the wet to secure a career-best fourth, while Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) crashed later in the race, easing Mackenzie’s run to the finish. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) led the Yamaha charge in fifth, ahead of Danilo Petrucci and Miguel Oliveira from the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.
Having spent the early stages of the race in podium contention, Sam Lowes suffered a high-speed crash at Turn 3. The ELF Marc VDS Racing Team rider was diagnosed with a left wrist fracture and contusions to his right hand and left ankle. Bulega leaves the opener with a 20-point lead over Bassani, while Montella remains third despite his Race 2 crash. Ducati tops the Manufacturers’ Standings by 20 points, with all six manufacturers scoring during the weekend.
Nicolo Bulega – “It was an amazing weekend. Honestly, it was incredible. The Superpole Race this morning was a bit tricky because it started to rain and we were on slick tyres. I had to be very careful but we won and I really enjoyed the race. I was a bit angry before Race 2 because I knew I had a very good feeling and strong pace in the dry but it started to rain. I tried to turn that frustration into positive energy to win in the wet as well. I started well and had a good feeling from the start. The track became quite slippery but I managed to win again. I’m really happy.”
Axel Bassani – “It’s been a really nice Sunday. We’ve been fast all week and had good, consistent pace. We were always inside the top five and I felt good with the bike. In the wet conditions I didn’t expect this result because during testing in the wet the feeling wasn’t great. I was cautious at the start and focused on being consistent and not making mistakes. In the end it worked. I want to thank the whole team for their hard work. We showed this morning, with both bikes on the podium, that the team is working very well. Alex is also fast and it’s been a really strong Sunday for us.”
Alvaro Bautista – “We tried a new setup and it helped me a lot. I felt more comfortable with the bike. During the Superpole Race, I was positive because I started from P12 and finished seventh. Our pace was good enough to fight for the podium, as I caught the front group, but the race was too short. In any case, I was happy with the feeling and the speed. In the wet for Race 2 it was a lottery. Finishing third was a good way to end the weekend. We’ll keep working to improve.”
WorldSBK – Race 2 Top 10 (Full results here…)
1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
2. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +11.336s
3. Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) +17.790s
4. Tarran Mackenzie (MGM Optical Express Racing) +28.356s
5. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) +30.966s
6. Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +31.901s
7. Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)
8. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
9. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team)
10. Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team)
A heavy rain shower before Race 2 left the grid gambling between wet tyres and slicks. The top riders who opted for slicks were rewarded, with Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) claiming victory in his debut WorldSSP weekend. From last on the grid, Aldi Satya Mahendra completed a stunning one-two for the team.
Jaume Masia, winner on Saturday for Orelac Racing Verdnatura, started from pole but chose wets and was forced to pit for a tyre change, finishing inside the top ten. Title rival Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) rebounded after pitting to take fifth at the flag.
Oli Bayliss was one of the riders who had to pit and change to slicks, stopping any chance of another podium.
Aussie Oli Bayliss was one caught up in the tyre issue, having to pit and change to slicks, stopping any chance of a second podium finish for the weekend, however, his race one form is a sign that the NSW rider is going to be a great one to watch for Australian fans this season…
Albert Arenas – “It feels great to win again! This has been a very special weekend. It’s been difficult though because we had some issues. We overcame them and to take the win was very satisfying. We tried both rain tyres and slicks in the warm-up and that helped us make our decision for the race. It was raining when I went to the grid but I could feel the bike was still rideable. I checked several weather forecasts and decided to take the gamble. In the end, it worked. It’s nice when the risk pays off.”
WorldSSP – Race 2 Top 10 (Full results here…)
1. Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team)
2. Aldi Satya Mahendra (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) +4.937s
3. Matteo Ferrari (WRP Racing) +13.967s
4. Alessandro Giombini (Motozoo by Puccetti Racing) +50.953s
5. Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) +1’25.203s
6. Roberto Garcia (GMT94 Yamaha) +1 lap
7. Alessandro Zaccone (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) +1 lap
8. Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) +1 lap
9. Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) +1 lap
10. Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) +1 lap
WorldSSP Championship Standings (after Round 1)
1. Albert Arenas – 38 points
2. Jaume Masia – 31
3. Matteo Ferrari – 26
4. Philipp Oettl – 25
5. Aldi Satya Mahendra – 23
6. Can Oncu – 22
7. Oli Bayliss – 20
8. Roberto Garcia – 17
9. Alessandro Zaccone – 17
10. Andrea Giombini – 13
Saturday WorldSBK Gallery | Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit belonged to Nicolo Bulega, with the Italian completing a flawless day by securing pole position and converting it into a dominant Race 1 victory but all Aussie eyes were on Oli Bayliss. Enjoy our gallery and links. Photos: WorldSBK
Saturday at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit belonged to Nicolo Bulega, with the Italian completing a flawless day by securing pole position and converting it into a dominant Race 1 victory to open the 2026 WorldSBK season, but all Aussie eyes were on Oli Bayliss. Photos: WorldSBK
Bulega delivered Ducati’s landmark 200th WorldSBK pole position with a blistering 1’28.244s lap aboard his Aruba.it Racing Ducati machine.
In Tissot Superpole, Bulega delivered Ducati’s landmark 200th WorldSBK pole position with a blistering 1’28.244s lap aboard his Aruba.it Racing Ducati machine. It marked the tenth pole of his WorldSBK career and immediately set the tone for the opening race of the season. Behind him, Yari Montella claimed his first front-row start for the Barni Spark Racing Team, while Sam Lowes completed an all-Ducati front row for ELF Marc VDS Racing.
Tissot Superpole results are here… Read our WorldSBK content here…
World Superbike
When the lights went out for Race 1, Bulega converted pole into the holeshot and immediately began to stretch the field. Controlling the pace from the front, he led all 22 laps and crossed the line with a margin of just under five seconds to open his title campaign in emphatic fashion.
When the lights went out for Race 1, Bulega converted pole into the holeshot and immediately began to stretch the field.
Montella backed up his Superpole performance with a measured and mature ride to second place, holding position throughout the race to secure his maiden WorldSBK podium. The Italian never threatened the runaway leader but comfortably managed the gap to the riders behind.
Remy Gardner was also forced to retire and classified as a DNF, capping a challenging Race 1 for the manufacturer at Phillip Island…
The fight for the final podium position delivered one of the highlights of the race. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) absorbed sustained late-race pressure from Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team), crossing the line just 0.036s ahead to claim his first podium in the premier class.
Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) absorbed sustained late-race pressure from Axel Bassani.
One of the standout recovery rides came from Iker Lecuona, who charged from the fifth row of the grid to sixth place. His progress included a decisive pass on Alex Lowes at Turn 8 after closing rapidly in the second half of the race.
Montella backed up his Superpole performance with a measured and mature ride to second place.
Starting from 21st after a Superpole crash, Miguel Oliveira produced an impressive recovery ride to eighth. A lively mid-race battle with teammate Danilo Petrucci saw the pair exchange positions before Oliveira emerged ahead.
It was a difficult opening race for Yamaha. Xavi Vierge was running inside the top ten and leading the Yamaha charge before a heavy crash exiting Stoner Corner with six laps remaining ended his race. Fellow Australian Remy Gardner was also forced to retire and classified as a DNF, capping a challenging Race 1 for the manufacturer at Phillip Island.
WorldSBK – Race 1 Top 10 (Full results here…)
Nicolo Bulega
Yari Montella
Lorenzo Baldassarri
Axel Bassani
Sam Lowes
Iker Lecuona
Alex Lowes
Miguel Oliveira
Alberto Surra
Danilo Petrucci
WorldSSP 600
In WorldSSP, Jaume Masia dominated the opening race of the season for Orelac Racing Verdnatura, while Australia celebrated a home podium as Oli Bayliss claimed a career-first World Championship top three for PTR Triumph Factory Racing.
WorldSSP – Race 1 Top 10 (Full results here…)
Jaume Masia
Philipp Oettl
Oli Bayliss
Albert Arenas
Can Oncu
Matteo Ferrari
Ondrej Vostatek
Alessandro Zaccone
Roberto Garcia
Jeremy Alcoba
Harrison Voight has fired an early warning shot to the SW-Motech Superbike field, delivering a commanding victory in the opening race of the Penrite Australian Superbike Championship season at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Press: ASBK Media Photos: RbMotoLens
The Queenslander wasted no time asserting control, launching his McMartin Racing Ducati into the lead from the outset and steadily stretching his advantage across the 11-lap encounter. Calm, precise and relentlessly fast, Voight was never seriously challenged on his way to a crushing win in just his sixth career Superbike start.
Behind him, the battle for the remaining podium places delivered the race’s drama. Superbike rookie Jacob Roulstone (Motocity Honda) rode with remarkable maturity to secure second place, while Cameron Dunker (Blue Marlin Pools Racing Yamaha) completed an all-young-guns SW-Motech Superbike podium.
As Voight checked out up front, a multi-rider freight train developed behind. Roulstone and Dunker traded blows while Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) remained poised just off their rear wheel, biding his time in trademark fashion.
Defending champion Josh Waters endured an eventful race, running off at Turn 4 on lap two before recovering to latch onto the leading group. He was joined by Jonathan Nahlous (Yamaha Racing Team) and polesitter Anthony West, forming a six-rider train that ultimately stayed intact to the chequered flag.
The order remained unchanged at the finish, with Roulstone crossing the line 2.932 seconds behind Voight and narrowly ahead of Dunker, Waters, Jones and Nahlous. For Waters, fifth place marked his first non-podium Superbike finish at Phillip Island since the opening round of the 2022 season.
West finished seventh ahead of Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati), Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati) and Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha), rounding out the top 10.
Supersport: Simpson and Tamburini share honours
The Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen classes delivered two fiercely contested races under perfect Phillip Island conditions. Olly Simpson (DesmoSport Ducati) claimed race one by just 0.075 seconds from polesitter Hayden Nelson (BCperformance Kawasaki), while evergreen Italian Roberto Tamburini (Addicted to Track Yamaha) capitalised on late-race drama to win race two by nearly a second over Tom Edwards.
Across the two races, Tamburini emerged as the top Supersport performer ahead of Valentino Knezovic and Scott Nicholson, while Simpson led the Supersport Next Gen standings from Edwards and Nelson.
Supersport 300: King takes Trans-Tasman honours
The Race and Road Supersport 300 class again produced edge-of-the-seat racing, with New Zealander Tyler King emerging victorious after an eight-lap all-in brawl. Just 0.593 seconds covered the top 11 riders at the finish, with Jordy Simpson completing the podium ahead of Rossi McAdam, Jake Senior and Phoenix O’Brien.
Lincoln Knight set the fastest lap of the race despite finishing at the tail of the leading pack, underlining the ferocity of the contest. Races two and three of the SW-Motech Superbike class will be held on Sunday morning and afternoon as Round 1 of the 2026 ASBK season continues.
The opening day of the 2026 WorldSBK season at the Phillip Island GP circuit unfolded much as expected, with pre-season favourite Nicolo Bulega stamping his authority on Friday practice… Here is our WorldSBK Gallery from the day, with links to results… Photography: JPMedia P/L
Full results for the day are here… and our Friday report is here…
ASBK Round 1 Friday Reports | Anthony West has made a vibrant start to his new chapter in the Penrite Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli, topping Friday practice at the opening round of the season at Phillip Island. Press: ASBK Media Photos: RbMotoLens
Five months after the 44-year-old signed off from the final 2025 round at Phillip Island with a maiden SW-Motech Superbike victory aboard a Yamaha, Anthony West has picked up right where he left off at the 4.448km Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit—this time on a Ducati with the DesmoSport Ducati outfit.
West’s pace immediately sent a message to the Superbike field in the Australian Superbike Championship, but he was pushed hard across the two 30-minute sessions by Harrison Voight (McMartin Racing Ducati), with just 0.005s splitting the pair at day’s end. Defending five-time champion Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati) completed the top three on a circuit where he has been particularly dominant in recent seasons.
In the support classes, Hayden Nelson (BCperformance Kawasaki) and visiting Italian Roberto Tamburini (Addicted to Track Yamaha) topped qualifying in the combined Kawasaki-backed Supersport and Supersport Next Gen categories. Meanwhile, teenage charger Riley Nauta (Champions Ride Days Kawasaki) produced a stunning final lap to claim victory in a thrilling Race and Road Supersport 300 opener.
ASBK competition continues on Saturday with Superbike qualifying followed by one race in each class. There was also plenty for local fans to cheer in the world championship ranks, with Oli Bayliss (Triumph) qualifying second in World Supersport, giving himself a strong shot at his first victory in the category. Fellow Australian Remy Gardner (Yamaha) will also be firmly in contention in World Superbike race one.
SW-MOTECH SUPERBIKE
West certainly enjoyed his first official day in the Ducati camp, firing in a best lap of 1:31.492 during opening practice. He was one of four riders to break into the 1m31s bracket, alongside Voight, Waters and new Yamaha Racing Team recruit Jonathan Nahlous.
“We had a good start to the weekend,” said West. “It’s our first time as a team working together under the pressure of a race weekend and everyone is working together unreal. Track conditions changed a lot for FP2 and I was missing some rear grip, but we learnt more and it gives me a lot of confidence heading into tomorrow.”
Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha) rounded out the top five ahead of Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati), rookie Jacob Roulstone (Honda), Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team), Cameron Dunker (Blue Marlin Pools Racing Yamaha) and veteran Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati).
There was drama for Marcus Hamod (Honda), who crashed at turn 11 in FP1 and sat out the remainder of the day. He is expected to return for Saturday morning qualifying, where cooler conditions should allow for rapid lap times.
KAWASAKI SUPERSPORT / SUPERSPORT NEXT GEN
Nelson and Tamburini will lead the 21-rider combined field away in race one, with Tom Edwards lining up alongside them on the second BCperformance Kawasaki.
Olly Simpson (DesmoSport Ducati) rebounded strongly from electrical issues in practice to qualify fourth, ahead of Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha) and Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati). With a mix of young talent and seasoned campaigners behind them, all signs point to a highly competitive opening race.
RACE AND ROAD SUPERSPORT 300
If the opening Supersport 300 contest is any indication, the 2026 season is set to be a thriller. A lead group of six traded positions relentlessly throughout the eight-lap encounter, featuring Nauta, Tara Morrison (Kawasaki), Jordy Simpson (Yamaha), Tyler King (Yamaha), Phoenix O’Brien (Yamaha) and polesitter Orlando Peovitis (Kawasaki).
Nauta controlled much of the race before breaking clear on the final lap to score a decisive win by nearly two seconds. An impressive 28 riders reached the finish, with race two scheduled for 8:50am on Saturday morning.
The opening day of the 2026 WorldSBK season at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit unfolded much as expected, with pre-season favourite Nicolo Bulega stamping his authority on Friday practice…
The Aruba.it Racing Ducati rider topped both sessions and ended the day with a best lap of 1’28.858s.
The Aruba.it Racing Ducati rider topped both sessions and ended the day with a best lap of 1’28.858s, almost half a second clear of Alex Lowes, who led the chase aboard the impressive new Bimota KB998 Rimini superbike.
Remy Gardner was 19th on day one but should improve greatly as the weekend progresses.
A red flag in FP2, caused by wildlife straying onto the circuit, curtailed late running and meant Bulega’s most telling work came via a strong and consistent nine-lap stint. The Italian has looked supremely comfortable all week and arrives at a circuit where he famously claimed a clean sweep of victories last season. Once again, he looks the rider to beat.
Alex Lowes’ pace on long runs confirmed the potential of the Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team package.
Lowes’ day was highlighted by genuine progress in the hotter afternoon conditions. Although a Turn 4 fall ended his session early, the Briton’s pace on long runs confirmed the potential of the Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team package. Team-mate Axel Bassani reinforced that promise with fourth fastest overall, keeping Bimota firmly in the WorldSBK spotlight.
Axel Bassani reinforced that promise with fourth fastest overall, keeping Bimota firmly in the WorldSBK spotlight.
Third fastest was Sam Lowes, despite a Turn 1 crash in FP2 for the ELF Marc VDS Racing Team rider. Lowes completed 33 laps across the day and emerged as the leading Independent Rider, showing consistent 1’29s pace whenever he was able to push.
Third fastest was Sam Lowes, despite a Turn 1 crash in FP2 for the ELF Marc VDS Racing Team rider.
The strength of the Independent Ducati squads was further underlined by Alvaro Bautista, Lorenzo Baldassarri and Yari Montella, who rounded out positions five through seven on the combined timesheets for the day.
A quietly impressive Friday came from Garrett Gerloff, ninth fastest for the Kawasaki WorldSBK Team. The American showed clear progress in his second season on the Kawasaki, helped by reuniting with long-time crew chief Les Pearson.
Miguel Oliveira and Danilo Petrucci finishing tenth and twelfth respectively as they adapt to the BMW M 1000 RR.
The all-new ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team rider line-up continued its learning curve, with Miguel Oliveira and Danilo Petrucci finishing tenth and twelfth respectively as they adapt to the BMW M 1000 RR. Full results for the day are here…
WorldSSP: Masia the man to beat ahead of home-hero Bayliss
In WorldSSP, momentum from testing carried straight into qualifying as Jaume Masia completed a perfect Friday by claiming the first Tissot Superpole of the season. The Orelac Racing Verdnatura rider secured pole position with a 1’32.115s lap, edging the field by 0.172s.
Jaume Masia completed a perfect Friday by claiming the first Tissot Superpole of the season.
Australian fans had plenty to cheer about as Oli Bayliss delivered a career-best qualifying performance to line up second for PTR Triumph Factory Racing. Bayliss has been one of the standout riders all week and looks poised to challenge for race victory on home soil.
It was also a landmark session for a new manufacturer in the class, with Valentin Debise taking third on the grid aboard the ZXMOTO machine of ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing. The Frenchman completed 20 laps and appears well-prepared for the Chinese brand’s WorldSSP race debut.
Valentin Debise taking third on the grid aboard the ZXMOTO machine of ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing
Fourth went to Can Oncu, now with Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing, while Bayliss’ team-mate Tom Booth-Amos salvaged fifth despite a heavy Turn 11 highside that brought out a red flag late in the session. With strong pace across both championships and local heroes well placed, Phillip Island is set for a fascinating opening weekend of racing. Full results for the day are here…
