Unable to shift gears and clearly in pain, Bayliss is now doing all he can to get back as soon as possible.
With many Australians showcasing their skills abroad in a range of disciplines both on-track and off-road, our monthly column focuses on how they’re faring in 2022 battling it out with the best in their chosen classes against the best riders in the world. Words: Ed Stratmann.
Miller is back! We saw him dressed in orange at the official MotoGP tests, the back will take some more getting used to.
Jack Miller – MotoGP
Having made the high-profile switch to Red Bull KTM for 2023 and with excitement high that Jack Miller can achieve big things this year, the fact his latest test didn’t go so well in Sepang has tempered expectations. With Miller only able to record a pair of 16ths and a 19th in the fastest times charts, this doesn’t bode well for the crusade ahead.
“The expectation was quite high. We missed something, to be completely honest and fair. In the next few weeks we have to work to get the best potential from what we tested,” said team manager Francesco Guidotti. “But I’m not trying to find excuses. We are working hard to give our riders the best possible [bike]. The expectation was a little bit too high, maybe. I don’t know.”
“We sort of hit a wall a little bit, so just understanding the geometry and getting myself more comfortable.” said Miller.
Miller then shared his typically honest thoughts on how things went, expressing: “We sort of hit a wall a little bit, so just understanding the geometry and getting myself more comfortable. We made a step right before lunch and were pretty happy with that. We’re making another step just to understand what is the limit and to basically gauge where we’re at in terms of balance.”
“We can see on the data that I’m struggling quite a bit compared to the other boys mid corner and just getting things to rotate and to get it off the corner. It’s all about going through these motions and trying to understand the bike and to adapt with it the best we can. No one likes seeing themselves in the bottom half of the timing screen. But that’s not the main focus for us. The focus is to try and build this thing up and get it somewhere reasonable for Portimao.”
The popular #43 did also importantly mention improvements are still being made all the time and he’s excited about the process of making further strides in their quest to ensure the bike is as competitive as possible come the season opener.
The popular #43 did also importantly mention improvements are still being made all the time and he’s excited about the process of making further strides in their quest to ensure the bike is as competitive as possible come the season opener.
Remy Gardner – World Superbike
Even though Remy Gardner’s World Superbike debut on home soil at Phillip Island will be remembered mostly for him accidentally taking out teammate Dominique Aegerter in the Superpole race, he still enjoyed a decent weekend under the GRT Yamaha awning.
Remy showcased his impressive skills and speed, his race finishes of 12th and 10th respectively were admirable to begin his season in light of the circumstances.
Showcasing his impressive skills and speed, his race finishes of 12th and 10th respectively were admirable to begin his season in light of the circumstances.
“It’s been a complicated weekend, not just for the races, but because of the weather. We didn’t expect to have a wet race in Race One and I struggled a lot in the wet yesterday,” he explained. “I was hoping for dry [weather] and we had a good start to the Superpole Race and I felt quite strong to be honest. But then I made a mistake in turn four and went in too deep and made contact with Domi.”
Despite the contact with his teammate, a lot of good can be said about Remy’s WorldSBK debut.
“First of all, I would like to apologise to Domi and the Team for the Tissot Superpole Race crash. I’m really sorry, we both could have made a good result. Anyway, we have to be happy with our pace; and we were fighting for the podium positions, which was beyond our expectations before this weekend. Starting from so far back on the grid in Race Two with a long lap penalty didn’t help, but that’s a lesson for the future.”
Gardner will now shift his attention to the second round in Indonesia, where he’ll be keen to enjoy a drama-free second stop on the calendar.
Oli Bayliss was third on the opening day of the Official Test but had some back luck during race weekend.
Oli Bayliss – World Supersport
Oli Bayliss endured a lively day in World Supersport to start his season on the home confines of Phillip Island. Grabbing sixteenth in race one, this wasn’t what he had in mind as a gamble on using slick tyres didn’t come to fruition courtesy of the rain returning. But there was a marked improvement in the second stanza, with him well and truly in the mix for a top five finish before ultimately dropping to tenth in the red flagged race when another rider suffering a mechanical issue got in his way.
“It’s a pity how the weekend went results-wise, because I felt good on the bike and we had the potential to do much better. We worked well together and showed good speed, but unfortunately the two races were quite eventful and surely not favourable to us,” the Team D34G Racing talent said. “We have to keep working hard in the same direction and try to capitalise in Indonesia in less than a week.”
The inordinately gifted Aussie phenom keeps on flexing his muscles Stateside, as he looks set to add another 250 title to his list of honours before moving up to the 450 when AMA Pro Motocross begins in May. Photo: HRC Global.
Jett Lawrence – AMA Supercross
The inordinately gifted Aussie phenom keeps on flexing his muscles Stateside, as he looks set to add another 250 title to his list of honours before moving up to the 450 when AMA Pro Motocross begins in May. Currently sitting atop the 250SX West standings by 20 points over R.J Hampshire having won three of the four main events and bagged second in the other, it’ll take something special to stop the 19-year-old grabbing the title.
Clearly a cut above the competition and riding with a maturity and skill that belies his tender years, the Team Honda HRC star continues to take the sport by storm.
Jett has been absolutely blitzing the competition in the 250 class, hopefully he can follow it up on the 450. Photo: HRC.
A massive hit on and off the track, it’s easy to see why the likeable youngster is such a drawcard already. Despite all the noise surrounding him, it’s important to note that his dad and trainer, the legendary Johnny O’Mara, keep him on the right path needed to fulfil his immense potential.
Hunter Lawrence – AMA Supercross
Hunter Lawrence has been in similarly excellent form, as he’s following his brother’s lead impressively on his way to winning two of the three 250SX East rounds. Producing the goods and well placed to win his first championship in America, Hunter’s leading the title chase by 11 points from Max Anstie.
Hunter Lawrence has been in similarly excellent form, as he’s following his brother’s lead impressively on his way to winning two of the three 250SX East rounds.
Taking his game to another level in 2023 and riding with tremendous confidence, composure and speed, it’s been a joy to watch him strut his stuff, with his last corner win in Tampa especially catching the eye.
Wilson Todd – AMA Supercross
Making his AMA Supercross debut at the start of the year, Wilson Todd deserves enormous credit for putting in all the hard work to reach this milestone. Although things haven’t gone entirely to plan for the talented pilot, there’s vitally been signs of his undeniable speed.
Racing in the 250SX West division, crashes, bad luck and injury have frustratingly scuppered his progress despite his pace in qualifying and practice underlining he has what it takes to mix it inside the top 10. While a torn ligament in his thumb hindered him, Todd’s focus now shifts to the Australian ProMX series, where the reigning MX2 Champion will be back in action on the 250 for the start of the season this weekend in Wonthaggi.
Matt Moss – AMA Supercross
Securing a fill-in ride with the BarX Suzuki squad to race 250SX West, experienced veteran Matt Moss showed his class in his first race for the team in Oakland.
Securing a fill-in ride with the BarX Suzuki squad to race 250SX West, experienced veteran Matt Moss showed his class in his first race for the team in Oakland. Photo Via Matt Moss Facebook.
Kicking off his day in fine style by bagging the sixth fastest time in combined qualifying before transferring comfortably to the main by virtue of his third place heat race finish, this was an exceptional way to stamp his mark. Disappointingly, he couldn’t carry his momentum into the main event, for an early crash that injured his thumb ended his night due to him unable to grip the bike well enough.
“I was feeling really good all night, and finished third in my heat. Got an okay start (in the main). I was sitting in fourth when I landed awkwardly on my thumb. I could barely hang on. Disappointing, but overall happy with my speed, a few things to work on. Looking forward to being back behind the gates at the next round. Thanks for the support legends,” he insisted.
Head to Kawasaki head office and meet the Empire Kawasaki Motocross Race Team. Get up close and personal with the skilled riders before they head to round 2 of the Australia ProMX Championship at Appin. Fans will have the chance to meet the riders Friday (March 17th) between 12:30pm-1:30pm!
Fans will have the chance to meet and greet the Empire Kawasaki riders Friday (March 17th) between 12:30pm-1:30pm!
Haruki Yokoyama (MX2 rider and all-Japan motocross champion) and Cambell Williams (MX3 contender), the team owner and mechanics will share their experiences and insights into the world of racing. Hear firsthand stories about their plan to take it to the top in 2023, the challenges they will face, and the triumphs they have already achieved.
Cambell Williams.
Haruki Yokoyama.
Learn about the upcoming racing at Appin, NSW, the preparation behind the KX250 bikes, and the strategies that go into winning a race. Head down to Kawasaki Australia HQ!
Key Info
Location: Kawasaki Head Office, Unit Q, 10-16 South Street, Rydalmere, NSW, 2116
Want the look of custom paint, but can’t afford the price? Well the new Bell Moto-9S Flex Edge graphic created by Southern California artist Tagger Designs gives you the look without hurting your wallet! Check it out, Cassons have them in stock now!
The new Bell Moto-9S Flex Edge graphic created by Southern California artist Tagger Designs gives you the look without hurting your wallet!
Back by popular demand is the redesigned Moto-9s Flex—the refinement of a long-standing industry leader. This strong, lightweight helmet carries over Bell’s time-tested traditions of performance and advanced safety standards. Packed inside are three material layers that protect at different impact speeds and redirect rotational energy.
Bell say protection like this is what gives their motocross and off-road racers the confidence to go big. You still get the unbeatable ventilation of the flexible, segmented liner that adapts to the shape of your head for a custom feel. Top off this no-compromise design with Bell’s Tri-Matrix shell, delivering all the strength of carbon fibre in a more budget-friendly package for value that’s unheard of.
Cassons have you sorted with a whole range of cool colourways and sizes to keep you safe out on the dirt without breaking the bank.
Cassons have you sorted with a whole range of cool colourways and sizes to keep you safe out on the dirt without breaking the bank. Contact them here for availability information!
The Serco Yamaha team enters the 2023 season armed with two experienced and professional contenders and a determination to win the ProMX MX2 championship. A change in rider and personnel behind the scenes has the team refreshed and reinvigorated for the new season!
The Serco Yamaha team enters the 2023 season armed with two experienced and professional contenders and a determination to win the ProMX MX2 championship.
Rhys Budd, second in the 2022 MX2 championship, will join Jesse Dobson on the Serco Yamaha team and make for a strong combination as the opening round of the 2023 championship draws closer. While Budd has moved to a new team, he still remains on Yamaha and the YZ250F, so the transition has been an easy one for him.
Budd has landed on the MX2 championship podium for the past two seasons and has been on the YZ250F for three years and feels he is primed and ready to make the next step in his riding and go after that elusive number 1 plate in the MX2 division.
Rhys Budd, second in the 2022 MX2 championship, will join Jesse Dobson on the Serco Yamaha team and make for a strong combination as the opening round of the 2023 championship draws closer.
“Each year I have improved my result in the championship and also improved my speed and fitness, so the next goal is to take it to the top step and get that number 1 plate for both myself and Serco Yamaha. The transition to the Serco Yamaha team has been smooth and working with Paul Teasedale has been good. He has been super supportive and encouraging and already we have a great relationship. The bike feels super strong, we have done plenty of testing to ensure its right for me and now is the time to get after it on the track and notch up some race and round wins.”
“Its less than 10 days to round one at Wonthaggi and we are ready to go. The track there is always tough but I think I have improved my riding in sand and have set my goals high to get the season started on the right foot,” Budd said.
Back for his third year on the team is Jesse Dobson. Coming to the team in 2020 to fill in for an injured rider, Dobson cashed in on that opportunity and remains with the Serco Yamaha team three seasons on.
Back for his third year on the team is Jesse Dobson. Coming to the team in 2020 to fill in for an injured rider, Dobson cashed in on that opportunity and remains with the Serco Yamaha team three seasons on. Finishing second in the 2021 championship, his 2022 campaigned was dogged with injury and ended in him getting shoulder surgery in the weeks after the final round at Coolum last season. Dobson has been back on the bike for a couple of months now and working his way back to his best form with no pain in his troublesome shoulder.
“My shoulder was pretty beat up at the end of last years’ ProMX championship and I realistically didn’t have any other option but to have surgery on it and get it sorted. A shoulder construction takes in a four-month recovery process and as I had time, I was extra cautious with it to make sure I am 100% when the season starts. My riding and fitness is coming along and I feel improvements each week. I would like to have got in a couple of local races prior to round one just to get behind the gate and get used to race intensity but I just needed to keep preparing and think my experience will take over once I’m on the start line at Wonthaggi.”
Dobson has been back on the bike for a couple of months now and working his way back to his best form with no pain in his troublesome shoulder.
“I like the Wonthaggi track as it has a lot of similarities to my home track at Coolum with the dirt and the surface, so my plan is to get off to a good, solid start, log a good result and continue to build into the championship as the rounds progress,” Dobson ends.
With over 20 years in the game, team manager Gavin Eales, is excited to go racing in 2023 and looks forward to a great season from his troops.
The opening round of the ProMX Championship takes place at the Wonthaggi circuit in Victoria on March 5.
“We have new mechanic on board this year with Matt coming in to replace Ben who took up an offer to world for a team on the MXGP tour. It is a great opportunity for Ben, and we wish him well. Matt has blended in well and his knowledge has already shown benefit within the team.”
“Rhys has come through the Yamaha program and already had a good friendship with Jesse and the team. Both riders have a huge work ethic and are determined to make 2023 their best season yet and with a strong preseason behind us, we head to round one in good shape and ready to go racing.”
Falcon Racing’s new FIM Endurance World Championship rider, Dylan Buisson, won’t be short of fitness when the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans opens the 2023 season next month (13-16 April). Check out how the team are feeling ahead of the 2023 season…
Falcon Racing’s new FIM Endurance World Championship rider, Dylan Buisson, won’t be short of fitness when the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans opens the 2023 season next month (13-16 April).
Like all EWC riders, Buisson places a huge focus on physical fitness although having tackled a 78-kilometre through-the-night running race between Saint-Étienne and Lyon means he’ll be even fitter than most, as he continues to prepare for the three-round FIM Endurance World Cup for Superstock-specification bikes running on Dunlop tyres.
As well as a rider at the top of his physical powers, Falcon Racing can also count on a rider with podium pedigree in the EWC. In 2013, Buisson was part of the Team R2CL entry that finished second overall in the 24 Heures Motos. Riding for TATI Team Beaujolais in 2017, Buisson claimed Superstock category honours at Le Mans.
The 34-year-old will have nine starts in the 24 Heures Motos to his name when he joins forces with new Falcon Racing team-mates and fellow Frenchmen David Chevalier and Loïc Millet for the start of their 2023 EWC campaign.
The 34-year-old will have nine starts in the 24 Heures Motos to his name when he joins forces with new Falcon Racing team-mates and fellow Frenchmen David Chevalier and Loïc Millet for the start of their 2023 EWC campaign.
“He has a lot of endurance experience and that’s what we were looking for,” said Falcon Racing Team Manager Mickaël Le Dévéhat. “We want him to be a new engine for the team. He works on his physical condition throughout the season. This means that our relays will be more regular.”
With five and two starts in the EWC-counting 24 Heures Motos respectively, Chevalier, 30, and Millet, 20, won’t be short of experience of the 4.185-kilometre Bugatti Circuit.
Buisson said: “It’s with great pleasure that I announce my participation in the 2023 Endurance World Championship with Falcon Racing on the #121 Yamaha R1. Thanks to the team manager and team for trusting me. I can’t wait to start the adventure on this beautiful machine.”
With five and two starts in the EWC-counting 24 Heures Motos respectively, Chevalier, 30, and Millet, 20, won’t be short of experience of the 4.185-kilometre Bugatti Circuit and the traditional EWC season opener either.
Falcon Racing will start the 2023 EWC season on the back of an extensive testing programme, which will include the Le Mans Pre-Test from 28-29 March.
“For 2023 we want to be in the top five and achieve regular podiums, that would be a good reward,” said Le Dévéhat, whose team receives support from Yamaha France. “Certainly, we are progressing, but so is the level. We face teams that have been around longer than us. We mustn’t forget that.”
Falcon Racing was heading to seventh place in the EWC Superstock category at Le Mans last season when engine failure struck in the final quarter of an hour. With the #121 Yamaha unable to cross the finishing line, Falcon Racing was therefore not classified in the final results.
“It was our first big mechanical problem, because we had always reached the finish since 2016,” Le Dévéhat said. “It was a blow to morale but the whole team has reacted well because everyone has re-motivated themselves so that it does not happen again. This winter, we implemented a new working method which should bear fruit.”
Penrite has renewed its significant partnership with the ProMX Championship for the third consecutive year as the Naming Rights partner for the 2023 season. Make sure you tune into this year’s championship as plenty of big Aussie names are making their return following an injury plagued 2022…
Penrite has renewed its significant partnership with the ProMX Championship for the third consecutive year as the Naming Rights partner for the 2023 season.
The partnership secures the ongoing development of motocross in Australia, with Penrite being a world-renowned and proudly Australian owned oil manufacturer with a direct connection to the sport through their products and sponsorship activations.
The 2023 Penrite ProMX Championship will take place across eight venues nationwide and feature handlebar-to-handlebar action in the MX1, MX2, MX3 classes as well as other classes at select events such as MXW (Womens), VETS (Veterans), MX85 WJMX Qualifier Cup and YZ65 Cup.
The partnership secures the ongoing development of motocross in Australia, with Penrite being a world-renowned and proudly Australian owned oil manufacturer.
Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle;“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Penrite as the Naming Rights title partner for ProMX Championship in 2023. We are excited to continue to work alongside ProMX to help elevate and showcase the best motocross talent Australia has to offer.”
Jarrod Harding, Brand Manager, Penrite Oil; “We are proud to continue our partnership with ProMX. We believe that this partnership demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the Australian motocross community and supporting the growth of the sport. Penrite has a long and proud history supporting Australian motocross, and this ongoing partnership is a further significant investment into the sport for our 100% Australian-owned company.”
Yamaha Racing kicked off the 2023 Australian Superbike Championship in fine style, posting class wins in the 600cc and 300cc Supersport divisions as well as a strong showing in the premier Superbike class.
The new season came to life over the weekend as the Phillip Island circuit hosted the opening round of the Australian Superbike Championship in conjunction with the season opener for the WorldSBK Championship. A good sized crowd turned up over the three day event and in typical Phillip Island fashion, the elements provided plenty of challenges.
Superbike 1000cc The YRT duo of Mike Jones and Cru Halliday lead the charge in the Superbike class on their R1’s, but they were well supported by Arthur Sissis and Bryan Staring who finished sixth and eighth. Sissis overcame some technical issues during the weekend to finish with 11-5-7 results on his Unitech Yamaha machine. The final two races saw Sissis in the thick of the action as positions four through eighth engaged in race long duals.
Arthur Sissis overcame some technical issues during the weekend to finish with 11-5-7 results on his Unitech Yamaha.
For Staring it was his first competitive hit out on his new MotoGo Yamaha R1 and the weekend showed there is still plenty of potential to be unpacked from the Staring / MotoGo combination. His qualifying pace was sensational, and his only major blemish of the weekend came when he elected to go for the wet tyres on a drying track in race one. He finished with 12-7-6 results and believes there is plenty of room for improvement as he adjusts to his new ride.
Supersport 600cc If there was one class that provide more than its fair share of action over the weekend, it was the Supersport 600cc category. There were crashes, near misses, rain, sun, animals, more near misses and off-track excursions and that was just race two.
A fall in race two in the treacherous conditions meant Harrison Voight was unable to finish and had to settle for second place on the day.
Through it all, Ty Lynch on his Yamaha R6 proved the most consistent taking the round win with 8-1-5 results. Lynch kept a cool head across the three races, proving consistency was the key ingredient to his success on the weekend.
Behind Lynch was Harrison Voight who was clearly the fastest rider in the class racking up pole position and two race wins, but a fall in race two in the treacherous conditions meant he was unable to finish and had to settle for second place on the day. Third was Jack Passfield, another rider who put together three solid races who finished just ahead of the 2022 champ, John Lytras. The top ten riders were all mounted on the Yamaha R6.
Jai Russo did just enough to scrape through for the round win with 58 points, just ahead of Brendon Demmery on 57.
Supersport 300cc The points were tight at the top of the 300cc division with eight points separating the top six riders. Jai Russo did just enough to scrape through for the round win with 58 points, just ahead of Brendon Demmery on 57. Henry Snell slotted into third with 53 points showing consistency in a variety of conditions. The Yamaha R3 filled the top six positions and were nine of the top ten bikes in class.
The ASBK now moves to Sydney Motorsport Park on March 25-26.
An unexpected start to the 2023 Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) has seen DesmoSport Ducati leave Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit sitting 10th in the championship after Broc Pearson raced to 10-9-11 results over a rain-effected weekend of racing. Report: Ducati DesmoSport.
An unexpected start to the 2023 Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) has seen DesmoSport Ducati leave Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit sitting 10th in the championship.
Broc Pearson #4
Qualified: 9th (1:32.835)
Fastest Lap: 1:32.835
Results: 10-9-11, 10th Overall
Championship Standing: 10th
Team co-owner, Ben Henry: “It was a disappointing way to start the year that’s for sure. We’ve been really strong in testing with good lap times and results that have exceeded our expectations in the few local races we did, but that didn’t translate to results on the track this weekend. Yes, the weather played a factor, with us choosing to send Broc out on wets in the second part of race one, it didnt work out with the track drying, but the reality was we had nothing to lose based on our speed in the first half of the race. We spent some time supporting Pirelli with their Diablo SuperCorsa SC and SP launch on Monday and managed to get a few additional laps in with Broc to try a few things that the race weekend didn’t allow for and we’re motivated to put ourselves back where we belong.”
Broc Pearson: “We had a few issues over the weekend that didn’t come through in testing and it was difficult for me to push any harder than I was in the races.”
Broc Pearson:“We had a few issues over the weekend that didn’t come through in testing and it was difficult for me to push any harder than I was in the races. It was frustrating to race at a speed slower than what I know I’m capable of. I apologised to the team when I came in after race two, and the guys were pretty quick to correct me. We go well as a team, we have bad weekends as a team and no one person caused our problems this weekend. We’re all part of the solution, that’s what being in a team is about and we’re all putting everything in to getting my Panigale back up the grid.”
DesmoSport Ducati will now take the rest of the week to rest, recuperate and return to work before heading back in to the workshop next week with the teams Ducati Panigale V4 R superbikes.
An incredible move at Turn 3 allowed Bautista to claim victory using the #1 plate after a wet first race of the year in Australia started the season in style. Sunday then saw Bautista become the most successful WorldSBK rider in history at Phillip Island with his eighth victory at the circuit… Report: WorldSBK.
An incredible move at Turn 3 allowed Bautista to claim victory using the #1 plate after a wet first race of the year in Australia started the season in style.
Race One
A delayed start to Race 1 in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship provided plenty of drama as rain came down before the start of the race at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit for the Grand Ridge Brewery Australian Round. Reigning Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claimed a stunning victory in difficult conditions after an incredible overtake on rival Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) as the #1 started the season on top in Australia.
Bautista started from second place but got the holeshot at the start of the race before being passed by Rea, who took his 378th WorldSBK start in Race 1 and moved ahead of Troy Corser at Turn 10 on the opening lap of the race. From there, Rea and Bautista pulled away from the chasing pack as they battled it out for the win. Rea had been able to pull out a gap of just over a second at points during the first half of the race but Bautista never lost touch and slowly started reeling the six-time Champion in.
Bautista started from second place but got the holeshot at the start of the race before being passed by Rea, who took his 378th WorldSBK start in Race 1 and moved ahead of Troy Corser.
On Lap 10, Bautista made his move at Stoner Corner, the high-speed left-hand corner to take the lead of the race and he remained there for the final 12 laps of the race. Bautista had a huge slide through Turn 8 a couple of laps after passing Rea but, although the Ulsterman closed in, Bautista once again pulled away to take victory by more than three seconds at the end of the race.
Behind the leading duo, it was a bit of a lonely race for polesitter Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) as he finished in third place but six seconds down on Bautista and 10 seconds ahead of teammate Andrea Locatelli as the factory Yamaha duo finished in third and fourth respectively. Bautista’s victory claimed Spain’s 70th WorldSBK victory while it was his 59th WorldSBK podium finish. Second was Rea’s 246th podium while Razgatlioglu claimed his 83rd podium in WorldSBK.
Behind the leading duo, it was a bit of a lonely race for polesitter Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) as he finished in third place but six seconds down on Bautista.
Italian rider Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) battled his way up from 14th to fifth at the end of the 22-lap race which included two stunning opening laps to put himself into the top ten. He slowly picked off his rivals before dropping back from Locatelli and settling for fifth.
Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) was the lead Honda rider in sixth as he gained positions from 11th on the grid on his first WorldSBK race at Phillip Island. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) was another who gained places throughout the race as he took seventh place. The pair had battled throughout the final lap with an incident investigated by the FIM WorldSBK Stewards after the pair made contact. Petrucci had crossed the line ahead of Vierge but was demoted one position for irresponsible riding, meaning Vierge was seventh and Petrucci eighth.
Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) took 12th on his WorldSBK debut on home soil, finishing ahead of teammate Dominique Aegerter in 13th.
In what was a bit of a theme for riders who finished in the top ten, Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) took eighth spot after fighting from 17th on the grid, finishing ahead of BMW duo Scott Redding (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK) and Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) with American star taking a top-ten finished on his first BMW race start after starting towards the back of the grid. Gerloff was around five seconds down on Redding at the end of the race as they finished as the highest-placed BMW riders.
Phillip Oettl (Team GoEleven) had shown strong pace throughout both the Australian Round and the Official Test in the week proceeding the event, and the German rider took 11th spot in the wet conditions. He was ahead of Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) who took 12th on his WorldSBK debut on home soil, finishing ahead of teammate Dominique Aegerter in 13th. Aegerter had started on the front row but dropped back during his first WorldSBK race and his first in wet conditions to take points on his debut. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was 14th at the end of the 22-lap race while Hafizh Syahrin (PETRONAS MIE Racing HONDA Team) claimed the final points position in Race 1 with 15th place.
Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing) was another who gained places throughout the race as he took seventh place.
Eric Granado (PETRONAS MIE Racing HONDA Team) was 16th on his return to the Championship, finishing two seconds down on his teammate, while rookie Lorenzo Baldassarri (GMT94 Yamaha) was 17th and almost three seconds down on Granado. Loris Baz (Bonovo Action BMW) was 18th after he brought his M 1000 RR into the pits during the race and returning to the track a lap down.
Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was the first retirement of the race when he crashed at Turn 8 on Lap 2 after he had a highside, which ended his first race of 2023 prematurely. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) crashed out of the race on Lap 15 at Turn 2, with Lowes going to the medical centre for a check-up following the crash.
A delayed start to Race 1 in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship provided plenty of drama as rain came down before the start of the race.
Lowes was subsequently declared fit. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) had a technical issue during the race and lost two laps in the early stages after bringing his bike into the pits on Lap 5. He did briefly re-join the race but retired from the race. Oliver Konig (Orelac Racing MOVISIO) also retired from the race after he ran wide at Turn 4 and then bringing his bike into the pits.
WorldSBK Race One Phillip Island Top Three (Full Results here)
1 Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
2 Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +3.471s
3 Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) +6.168s
Tissot Superpole Race The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship’s Tissot Superpole Race was 10 laps of drama no matter where you looked at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit for the Grand Ridge Brewery Australian Round. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claimed victory for his second race win of the weekend as he finished ahead of teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi, while there was drama in the top six as teammates collided from a strong position.
The Spaniard claimed his second win of the round with a superb ride in the Superpole Race, while Jonathan Rea finished in seventh place.
Bautista got the holeshot at the start of the race but was passed by Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon) at Turn 4 on the opening lap, before Bautista passed him at the start of Lap 2 down the Gardner Straight. From there, Bautista was able to hold on to take his 34th WorldSBK win, putting him level with Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) and his 60th WorldSBK podium. He was ahead of Rinaldi in second who secured second place with a move on Razgatlioglu on Lap 4 at Turn 1, with Razgatlioglu taking third spot.
Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team) was the lead Kawasaki rider in fourth place. Lowes had been running in the podium places in the early stages of the race but dropped down as he was passed by Rinaldi and then Razgatlioglu around the halfway stage of the race. Lowes was able to resist pressure from Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) to take fourth spot and Locatelli in fifth, ahead of Philipp Oettl (Team GoEleven) in sixth to secure a second row start for Race 2.
Six-time Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) took seventh spot after he lost time and positions on the opening lap after he was forced wide by Dominique Aegerter.
Six-time Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) took seventh spot after he lost time and positions on the opening lap after he was forced wide by Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) at Turn 4, with Rea unable to make moves back through the order. Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) finished eighth and Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) took ninth to take a third row start in Race 2. Bassani had a late-race battle with Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) with the pair separated by half-a-second at the end of the race.
It was a disastrous outcome for the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team when Remy Gardner attacked teammate Dominique Aegerter on Lap 6 at Turn 4. The pair made contact and both riders retired from the race. It means Aegerter will start Race 2 from 10th place and Gardner in 11th when they were running in the top six in the Superpole Race. The incident was placed under investigation by the FIM WorldSBK Stewards who decided to look at the incident after the race, with Gardner given a Long Lap Penalty for Race 2 for irresponsible riding.
Tissot Superpole Podium at Phillip Island, Round One 2023… Bautista on top already!
WorldSBK Phillip Island Tissot Superpole Podium (Full Results Here)
1 Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 2 Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +2.462s
3 Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) +3.060s
Race Two
There was drama through Race 2 in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship during the Grand Ridge Brewery Australian Round at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit as Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) made history with his fifth WorldSBK hat-trick in commanding fashion ahead of his teammate, while Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) could only manage eighth place as Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) didn’t score points in Race 2.
Sunday saw Bautista become the most successful WorldSBK rider in history at Phillip Island with his eighth victory at the iconic circuit…
Reigning Champion Bautista led from the start and he was able to bring teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi with him in the early stages of the 22-lap encounter with the pair separated by less than a second for the first few laps, before Bautista started pulling a gap to his teammate to win by more than six seconds ahead of his teammate for the second Ducati 1-2 of the day in WorldSBK following their Tissot Superpole Result.
Bautista’s hat-trick means he became the first rider to take a second hat-trick at one circuit following his 2019 triple while he also became the first rider to take five WorldSBK hat-tricks. It was also his eighth win at ‘The Island’, making him the most successful rider at the circuit. In terms of his career, it was his 61st WorldSBK podium and Ducati’s 395th win in WorldSBK. For Rinaldi, he claimed his 16th WorldSBK podium.
Bautista’s hat-trick means he became the first rider to take a second hat-trick at one circuit following his 2019 triple while he also became the first rider to take five WorldSBK hat-tricks.
Behind the two Ducati riders, Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) claimed his first podium of the season with third place after taking third spot which he claimed from the start of the race as the Italian pulled away from the chasing group. Third place for Locatelli gave him his seventh career podium, putting him 54th in the all-time list for podium finishes. It was his best Phillip Island finish in WorldSBK, having taken fourth or fifth place in his previous five races.
Behind the two Ducati riders, Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) claimed his first podium of the season with third place.
The battle behind the podium trio was a 22-lap affair with Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) holding on for fourth after starting from ninth on the grid as he fended off a late challenge from Philipp Oettl (Team GoEleven) in fifth. The pair did have a gap behind them at the end of the race but that did not tell the full story of the battle which featured several riders including 2021 Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) and six-time Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team).
Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) was able to fight his way up to sixth place behind Oettl and Bassani while double WorldSSP Champion Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was seventh after starting tenth on the grid. Aegerter and Lecuona both made late-race moves on Rea to demote the Ulsterman to the order to eighth place, while it was a disastrous ending to the race for Razgatlioglu and Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK).
Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) was able to fight his way up to sixth place behind Oettl and Bassani while double WorldSSP Champion Dominique Aegerter.
Both were involved in the mega battle for fourth and Razgatlioglu looked to make a move around the outside of Lowes heading into Turn 4 on Lap 17. Lowes lost the front of his ZX-10RR machine heading into Miller Corner, the right-hand hairpin, which collected Razgatlioglu. Both were forced to retire from the race following the crash, costing them valuable points early on in the season.
Rea ended the race with an almost four-second gap to Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) in ninth place as he ended his first WorldSBK round inside the top ten. This also applied to Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) who ended the race in tenth despite a Long Lap Penalty for irresponsible riding in the Tissot Superpole Race after a crash with teammate Aegerter. He had crossed the line in 11th place but Xavi Vierge (Team HRC), who had taken the chequered flag in tenth, was demoted one place for overtaking under yellow flags which demoted him to 11th.
Razgatlioglu looked to make a move around the outside of Lowes heading into Turn 4 on Lap 17. Lowes lost the front of his ZX-10RR machine heading into Miller Corner, the right-hand hairpin, which collected Razgatlioglu.
12th place down to 15th were rounded out by the four BMW riders on the grid. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was 12th, more than eight seconds down on Vierge, while teammate Scott Redding was 13th and more than four seconds down on his Dutch teammate. Redding had to fend off the two Independent BMW riders with the trio separated by half-a-second at the end of the race. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) was 14th, 0.179s down on Redding, while teammate Loris Baz was 15th and a further 0.402s back.
Lorenzo Baldassarri (GMT94 Yamaha) finished his debut WorldSBK weekend in 16th place, ten seconds down on Baz in 15th place. Malaysian rider Hafizh Syahrin (PETRONAS MIE Racing HONDA Team) was 17th ahead of Oliver Konig (Orelac Racing MOVISIO) in 18th and Eric Granado (PETRONAS MIE Racing HONDA Team) in 19th with the Brazilian finishing as the last classified rider.
The weekend was also Bautista’s eighth win at ‘The Island’, making him the most successful rider at the circuit. In terms of his career, it was his 61st WorldSBK podium and Ducati’s 395th win in WorldSBK.
Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was the first retirement of the race after he crashed out at Turn 11 on Lap 8. Sykes was two laps down after he brought his bike into the pit lane in the early stages of the race and crashed shortly after re-joining.
Race Two Podium at Phillip Island, Round One 2023… Bautista scores the hat-trick for Ducati!
WorldSBK Phillip Island Race Two Podium (Full Results Here)
1 Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 2 Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +6.191s
3 Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) +9.099s
1 Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 62 points
2 Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) 34
3 Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 31
Familiar faces were back on the podium at the opening round of the 2023 mi-bike Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK). The series is finally back for another jam packed year with a massive calendar, we can’t wait for next round already! Report: ASBK Media Photos: Optikal.
ASBK Superbike Round Results Phillip Island (Full Results Here)
1 Josh Waters – Ducati V4 R
2 Mike Jones – Yamaha R1M
3 Troy Herfoss – Honda CBR RR
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 26 February, 2023. Troy Herfoss, Cru Halliday Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 26 February, 2023. Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 26 February, 2023. Glenn Allerton Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 26 February, 2023. Cru Halliday Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 26 February, 2023. Bryan Staring Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 26 February, 2023. Josh Waters Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 26 February, 2023. Cru Halliday Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 26 February, 2023. Bryan Staring Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 26 February, 2023. Josh Waters Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 26 February, 2023. Troy Herfoss Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 26 February, 2023. Troy Herfoss Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. Troy Herfoss, Glenn Allerton, Josh Waters, Mike Jones Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. Glenn Allerton, Max Stauffer, Bryan Staring Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. Mike Jones, Troy Herfoss Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. Bryan Staring Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. Mike Jones, Troy Herfoss Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. Mike JonesMike Jones Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 24 February, 2023. Cru Halliday Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 24 February, 2023. Bryan Staring Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 24 February, 2023. Max Stauffer Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 24 February, 2023. Ted Collins Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 24 February, 2023. Josh Waters Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 24 February, 2023. Troy Herfoss Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 24 February, 2023. Broc Pearson Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 24 February, 2023. Troy Herfoss Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 26 February, 2023. Josh Waters celebrates a clean sweep winning all three Superbike races to take away maximum points and the round win at the Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 26 February, 2023. Troy Herfoss celebrates a 3rd placve overall to collect another trophy at the Australian Superbike Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
ASBK Supersport Round Results Phillip Island (Full Results Here)
1 Ty Lynch – Yamaha R6
2 Harrison Voight – Yamaha R6
3 Jack Passfield – Yamaha R6
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 26 February, 2023. Tom Bramwich Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 26 February, 2023. Olly Simpson Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 26 February, 2023. John Lytras Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 26 February, 2023. Ty Lynch Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 26 February, 2023. Harrison Voight Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 26 February, 2023. Olly Simpson Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 26 February, 2023. Harrison Voight Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. John Lytras Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. Ty Lynch Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. Ty Lynch Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. Harrison Voight Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. Sean Condon Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. Ty Lynch Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. Harrison Voight Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. Harrison Voight Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 26 February, 2023. Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
Heading into the penultimate round, Oli Simpson has a 13pt lead over rapidly emerging 15-year-old Cameron Dunker.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. Luke Sanders Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. Jack Passfield Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. Tom Bramwich Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. Harrison Voight Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 24 February, 2023. John Lytras Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 24 February, 2023. Luke Sanders Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 24 February, 2023. Tom Bramwich Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 24 February, 2023. Harrison Voight Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 24 February, 2023. Ty Lynch Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
ASBK Supersport 300 Round Results Phillip Island (Full Results Here)
1 Jai Russo – Yamaha YZF-R3 (+0.193)
2 Brandon Demmery – Yamaha YZF-R3
3 Henry Snell – Yamaha YZF-R3 (+0.148)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. Jai Russo(32), Cameron Swain(26) Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. Henry Snell(12) Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 25 February, 2023. Cameron Swain(26) Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 24 February, 2023. Samuel Pezzetta(51), Tara Morrison(95) Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
The Supersport 300 class will, as usual, produce three crackerjack races with a 99 per cent chance that all races will be decided by less than a second and the winner won’t be known until the final few metres of the race.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 24 February, 2023. luke Jhonston(2), Jai Russo(32), Cameron Swain(26), Brodie Gawith(25) Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 24 February, 2023. Cameron Swain(26), Brodie Gawith(25), Jai Russo(32), luke Jhonston(2), Henry Snell(12) Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 24 February, 2023. Cameron Swain(26), Brodie Gawith(25), Jai Russo(32), luke Jhonston(2) Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 24 February, 2023. Cameron Swain Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 24 February, 2023. Australian Supersport Championship Round 1, Phillip Island, Victoria.
