The 2026 Penrite Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) gets underway this weekend at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, with a full race program from 20–22 February running alongside the FIM World Superbike and Supersport round held at the iconic track. Press: ASBK Media Pics: Russell Colvin & RbMotoLens
After a pre-season marked by major rider moves, fresh faces and renewed sponsorship, the championship’s first round kicks off with stacked grids across all classes – SW-Motech Superbike, Kawasaki Supersport/Supersport Next Gen and Race & Road Supersport 300.
A total of 76 riders are entered for round one, including current and former ASBK champions, national contenders and promising newcomers. Only Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati), fresh from claiming his fifth Superbike title in 2025, heads into the weekend as the defending champion.
The opening round also brings renewed energy to the paddock thanks to Penrite Oil’s expanded role as naming-rights partner, reinforcing local motorsport support in its centenary year.
Spectators will see a deep talent pool battling on track, with standout performers such as Anthony West, Harrison Voight, Mike Jones, Cameron Dunker and Jonathan Nahlous among those poised to shine. Emerging riders like Marcus Hamod and Josh Newman also join the fray in the Superbike class, while Kawasaki Supersport and Next Gen fields boast strong entries from both experienced and younger racers.
As always at Phillip Island – with its fast, flowing layout – the season opener promises close, high-speed racing before the championship heads to Sydney Motorsport Park, The Bend, Morgan Park and Queensland Raceway later in the calendar. Read our 2025 ASBK content here…
Phillip Island has to be one of the best tracks in the world. Fast flowing corners, a massive pit area and one of the best views on the MotoGP and WorldSBK calendars. Here’s Andrew Pitt’s guide to a lap there!
Coming into turn one for the first time can be a scary experience, it’s a seriously quick corner!
Turn One Going down the front straight, all you can see under the bridge is ocean and it looks like that’s what you are headed for. You hit the bump/jump just after the start and finish line as you flash under the bridge and it all opens up on the run into turn one. It’s normally back two gears and the big bikes had you grabbing the brakes about the 150m mark, with the 600s at 100m. It surprises you how deep you can go into this turn, since you get the speed sensation with the wind hitting you and it’s always around 300km/h. It’s important not to be too aggressive on the brakes and just get settled so you hit the inside apex where the bumps are close to the inside kerb and after the bumps get straight back on it.
“A common mistake at turn two is to pull the bike over to the right too far after exiting turn one.”
Turn Two A common mistake here is to pull the bike over to the right too far after exiting turn one. Turn two is a double apex turn so you can pretty much go straight at it from turn one and apex it going in and then drift out in the middle and apex it again on the way out – running down to turn three. A good run out of turn two means you can pass someone before you get to turn three or at worst, be on the inside of them tipping in.
Turn three is yet another corner that you carry a lot of speed into. It’s a seriously fun corner!
Turn Three This can be real fun but also a heart in the mouth type of turn. The bikes have picked up so much speed out of turn two and just as you tip into turn three, the track drops away and gets a little bumpy so you can find yourself going in with the front wheel ever so slightly off the ground, the head shaking and the wind trying to push you into Bass Strait. Once you get it in and on the gas it can be so much fun drifting on the exit. This is where the passes into Honda corner are set-up and pretty much done.
Turn four has seen some spectacular championship battles, as everyone tries to get on the brakes as late as possible.
Turn Four This is one of the best overtaking opportunities on the whole track. As important as it is to get the bike working through the fast corners out the back, it also has to be good on the brakes. The thing that can change from day to day here is the braking marker – depending on the wind, it can change from 30-50m. The bike never feels good around Honda and you always feel too slow around there and that the bike could fall over but you just have to tell yourself to get the exit right.
Phillip Island, turn 5. Nothing comes close to lapping a world class track like The Island…
Turn six
Turn Five & Six Six is a great corner with plenty of grip and good camber but has a strange entry and a really late apex. If the bike is geared right, you shouldn’t be downshifting here – just leave it in second and brake. You get it on your knee quite early and out wide and apex it late just as you are starting to wind it up for the exit. A tight exit is really important here and having the bike upright launches you into the next fast physical section.
Doohan said to me once that the most important part of the track is from Siberia to MG corner. It is very bumpy near the outside kerb on the exit and when the front is light, it is a real physical effort to get the bike over to the left before the flick right into the hayshed. There is a big bump right on the inside near the kerb through this left kink, I always found it easiest to let the bike wheelie over that bump and change direction on the back wheel.
Continuing the theme of high-speed corners is turn seven, you’ll need some good hoops to get through it quickly.
Turn Seven It never really settles until you roll the throttle a little and get it onto the knee and into the hayshed. On the 600, that wasn’t an option because on a good tyre it was wide open all the way through – touching the limiter in fourth. It is a fun turn when you get it right going from the inside white line to the outside white line. It is also one of only two real times you use the right side of the tyre properly. Again, like turn one to turn two, don’t waste too much effort pulling it over to the right for a wide entry into Lukey. Just get it in there.
“Turn eight has a really fast entry and you can run it into Lukey Heights hard because it runs uphill and a few lines work.”
Turn Eight This is a really fast entry and you can run it into Lukey Heights hard because it runs uphill and a few lines work. It’s normally back one gear from fourth to third. There is a bump on the entry on the inside and straight after the bump, you need to get back on the throttle to settle the bike and keep it rolling up and around the hill to apex it again at the top of the hill. The run around here and over the hill is super important because you can stop someone passing you or line up someone for a pass into MG. It’s really a knife edge with rear grip around Lukey – drifting over a blind rise that really only opens up once you are over the hill and heading downhill to MG.
It doesn’t look that steep on TV, but Lukey Heights in person is like a mountain with a quick descent.
Turn Nine Depending on gearing, MG corner can be a first or second gear turn. I preferred second as it cancels the short shift from first to third out of MG and it isn’t so aggressive on the side of the tyre on exit. There is a bump out wide if you tip in from there but I never go there as the middle of the track is fine for me. That allows you to really stop it and get a tight exit set up for the next left. Getting out of MG fast is more important than trying to carry too much corner speed because running wide messes up the next corner and your speed down the straight.
There is a lot of weight on the front forks while coming down the hill, it’s an easy corner to make a mistake on.
Turn 10
It’s a strange turn that never really feels right and feels frustratingly slow. It seems too long to get on the throttle. Between MG and this turn you can accelerate really hard into turn 10 but then the key is to wait a little so that the bike is turned and pointing towards turn 11. Then open the gas hard and quickly on the fat part of the tyre – running it out to the edge of the track.
Andrew says that turn 11 is one of his favourite corners in the world, a long and sweeping left hander.
Turn 11 This turn is probably my favourite worldwide, tipping in from the outside white line straight onto your knee all the way in. Sometimes it feels like you will never get it into the apex but as soon as you do, it’s straight back onto the gas – heading for the rise and the outside of the track onto the straight. I’m tucked in even before I’m out of the turn and just before I get it out to the kerb, I’m snicking fifth gear as the front is getting light over the rise and there are a couple of dips in the track near the kerb. When you get a great run out of here and hit the outside of the track, it’s perfect and it’s guaranteed your speed down the straight is greatly improved.
Phillip Island through expert eyes… Words: Andrew Pitt Photography: Peter Mitchell, Keith Muir
Fifteen years ago I headed to Portimao to ride the WorldSBK machines. The BMW was of particular interest, as I had ridden the first model at the same circuit and some domestic BMW superbikes here in OZ. It turned out to be Troy’s final World Superbike.
The BMW Motorrad Motorsport S 1000 RR was heavily modified for the 2011 season, their third in WorldSBK.
The 2011 season marked an exciting time for BMW Motorrad Motorsport WSBK team. After an encouraging debut season in 2009, where the team achieved 17 top 10 finishes, followed by a first pole position and podium in 2010, 2011 was going to be the year that the team could concentrate on racing for more podiums and perhaps an ambitious win…
Jeff was fortunate enough to sample all of these back in 2011 when he was a WorldSBK TV commentator on Speed TV for a few years. He also rode the top Supersport machines…
Rainer Baumel, previously technical director, moved into the role of Head Of Race Operations, while Stephan Fischer became Head Of Development and logistics, personnel, finance and responsibility for the race factory was placed in the hands of alpha Racing Manager Josef Hofmann.
The weight distribution was optimised with the seating position of the rider shifted back to increase weight over the rear.
There were extensive changes to the machine for 2011. The engine specifications were dramatically altered to give more mid-range power, evident by the use of a new shorter exhaust pipe. But maximum power was increased to 220RWHP. The year began with specification engine number nine and spec 10 was introduced mid season. The goal was to increase top end without losing mid range. This was achieved and saw a 5hp increase.
In the engine specifications were dramatically altered to give more mid-range power, evident by the use of a new shorter exhaust pipe.
Maximum power was increased to 220RWHP.
However, maximum power is not the only criterion in WSBK, with throttle response being equally important. The BMW S 1000 RR throttle-bodies are controlled by a ride-by-wire system that was continually developed throughout the season. It is controlled by an RSM5 management system, developed in-house by BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
The throttle-bodies are controlled by a ride-by-wire system that was continually developed throughout the season.
Chassis-wise, there was also a lot changed for 2011. The weight distribution of the bike was optimised with the seating position of the rider shifted back to increase weight over the rear of the bike. The fuel tank was also new, as was the rear sub-frame and new Ohlins TRSP25 forks were used. Also, interestingly, a cast rear swingarm replaced the previous fabricated swingarm. Lastly, new livery was added to the carbon-fibre fairings to make bike look more like the limited edition blue and white road version. Nice touch…
Lots of buttons… probably best to just leave these alone…
The ‘bars are very traditionally positioned – wide, pulled back with an angle downwards.
THE RIDE By the time I rode the BMW of hero Troy Corser, I’d already sampled the Althea Ducati, Yamaha, Alitalia Aprilia and a few 600s. So I was well and truly back in the groove on the track and the nerves had settled. As much as they can when riding a World Superbike!
Jeff said he found the S 1000 RR electronics to be super intrusive, perhaps dialled up for journo pace.
The BMW Motorrad Motorsport pit set up was the most professional of the lot. It was incredibly clean and the team were really friendly. Fellow Speed TV WSBK face Steve Martin was hanging around so I had a chat with Steve about the bike he played such a big role in developing. Troy Corser popped in to the pit garage however I was not able to get a chance to chat to the two-time WSBK champ sadly.
Looking over the bike, the attention to detail is incredible. From the stunning Akropovic shorty four-into-one to the amazing and huge handmade radiator, the bike is incredibly perfect to the eye. Not a mark or a scratch and nothing looks like its worth anything under a million bucks.
Plenty of gizmos under the fairing.
These systems were ground-breaking at the time.
The bike was surprisinglya cramped for Jeff.
The Akra pipe played an awesome symphony.
I’d overheard a few fellow journalists complaining that the electronics on the bike were too intrusive, perhaps set too conservatively for some of us, so as the team fired up the bike I was a little concerned the ride might be less than the real deal – so far on the day every other team had left the bikes as raced, and showed us the data to prove that – and the settings they used.
The bike was fired up and I jumped on. The first thing that blew me away was just how tiny the machine is and how compact Troy must be! He’s no Marco Melandri midget but I was more cramped on Troy’s bike than on Marco’s, Checa’s, Rea’s or Biaggi’s machines.
The team at BMW somehow made the S1000RR feel like a 250… Just goes to show how specially catered these are to keep the riders comfortable.
The ‘bars are very traditionally positioned – wide, pulled back with an angle downwards. The levers are tiny and only for two-fingers. And the footpegs very, very narrow. The seating position feels way back over the rear wheel and despite the ride height in the bike; it feels rear biased and low. Overall, tiny. I felt like I was on a 250!
The engine idled over at a fast pace as I clicked up into first gear and headed off down pit lane with a fist full of revs to get moving in the tall first gear. The pit lane limiter kept me at 40km/h then automatically switched off as I exited onto the end of Portimao’s fast chute.
The BMW throttle could be opened very early and the top-end hit was absolutely incredible.
I was lucky again as I had new tyres. So I put my head down and started to push from turn three onwards. The peaky nature of the bike was immediately noticeable and it did not have the punch and throttle response off the turns that the other fours enjoy and nowhere near the Ducati. However, the throttle could be opened really early without torque tying the bike in knots – and the top-end acceleration was incredible. Much more than the Castrol Honda or the Yamaha and similar in feeling to the Alitalia Aprilia.
It was about now that I got into a rhythm and the electronics started to spoil my fun. At anything but close to upright the bike would cut ignition and fuel and splutter off the turns slower than a 600 supersport bike. In fact, the bike felt slower than the street bike in some instances. Off any of the first or second gear corners, right on apex when I started to pickup the throttle and feed some power in, the traction control would cut in and sometimes it almost caused me to crash when the bike did not react to the throttle and pick itself up to drive off the corner. To adapt I had to basically park it turn, stand it up and fire it off the corners. It was a shame as most of us there were experienced racers and should have been given the opportunity to ride the bikes as raced.
“It was about now that I got into a rhythm and the electronics started to spoil my fun.”
The only other theory s that Troy is carrying more speed and higher rpm at that lean angle and the TC is set to be less intrusive there – so I was not riding in the same rpm range as him, therefore the TC was misbehaving. However, after speaking with the other test riders, the experience was a common one apart from for the really slow guys that were not opening the throttle hard enough.
The handling of the bike was different to the other four-cylinder machines. Firstly, Troy has the set-up very stiff compared to all of the other superbikes. And as mentioned, you really feel like you are riding the rear wheel everywhere – whereas looking at the bike in 2009 and 2010 it looked very forward biased and Troy was a weapon at running it into corners blindingly fast.
“Initial turn-in on the bike is brilliant. The steering light and agile and I could get the turning process done more quickly than I could on the other fours.”
With the narrow footpegs and tiny levers, I felt like I was slipping off the bike and I could not get the hang of the thumb rear brake – but I did make a point of trying it. I reckon once you got used to the mental mechanical action it would be brilliant.
Initial turn-in on the bike is brilliant. The steering light and agile and I could get the turning process done more quickly than I could on the other fours. There is a mix of braking turns and non braking turns at Portimao and the bike was great in both situations, turning with accuracy and speed and not much effort. However, I found that I had to put quite a lot of effort into keeping the BMW on its side through a turn, really using my outside knee to hold the bike down. On picking up the throttle for exit, the bike would snap and try to stand up. So running a long, accelerating line off a corner was difficult. It was a shame, as the lack of torque made the bike easiest to open the throttle early on and the chassis should not get upset so much without torque there to tie it in knots…
With all the assists on, the 999cc powerhouse felt nowhere near 220hp through the corners…
A shame we didn’t get to find out what it was capable of.
I think it was a combination of me not fitting in the seating position and having my 90kg at the time weight over the rear wheel, plus the aggressive nature of the engine in the higher rpm in some situations, that caused the reaction in the faster corners. In the slow corners I can’t explain it…
On the brakes the bike was extremely stable and the slipper clutch and back-shift system was brilliant. But with the thumb rear brake and stubby levers on the handlebars, the experience was different and would take some getting used to.
“I left thinking that the ASBK winning S 1000 RR of Glenn Allerton is a better handling package and I wonder how Troy would go on that if it had another 20hp.”
Acceleration down the front chute was definitely a thrill on the 220hp S 1000 RR as the electronics battled to keep the front wheel on the ground coming over the crest at 200-odd km/h before accelerating to close to 300 before the braking area. And experiencing how the electronics work was great, although it would have been more interesting if it was raining for example.
Overall I really enjoyed the ride but left thinking that the ASBK winning S 1000 RR of Glenn Allerton is a better handling package and I wonder how Troy would go on that if it had another 20hp…
BMW Motorrad Motorsport 2011 Season Team Partner: alpha Racing
BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: Bernhard Gobmeier
Head of Race Operations: Rainer Bäumel
Head of Development: Stephan Fischer
Managing Director Stephanskirchen: Josef Hofmann
Riders: Troy Corser, Leon Haslam
Crew Chief Troy Corser: Tom Larsen
Crew Chief Leon Haslam: Giacomo Guidotti
TROY CORSER – active WSBK 1992 – 2011. Date of birth: 27th November 1971 in Wollongong
Place of residence: Monte Carlo
Nationality: Australian
Marital status: Married to Sam, two children: Kalani and Kelisa
Height: 1.70m
Weight: 68kg
Hobbies: Golf, wakeboarding, karting, jet ski, motocross
Passion: Racing
Favourite circuits: Phillip Island, Valencia, Portimão
First bike: Yamaha TY80, Honda CR80
First race: 1989 Australian Production Series 250cc
Career highlights: 1996 Superbike World Champion, 2005 Superbike World Champion
World Superbike record: 377 race starts, 130 podiums
33 wins, 47 seconds and 50 third places, 43 pole positions, 45 fastest laps
Troy Corser’s WorldSBK BMW S 1000 RR Specifications
Power: Over 220hp
Wet weight: 162kg
Fuel capacity: 23L
Engine: Liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, four-stroke, Bore and stroke 80 x 49.7mm, 999cc, compression ratio: 14:1, fuel delivery: Dell’Orto fuel management system with 48mm throttle-bodies, gearbox: Six-speed cassette-style, clutch: wet multi-plate slipper clutch
Frame type: Twin-spar alloy frame with adjustable geometry
Wheelbase: Adjustable
Rake: Adjustable
Trail: Adjustable
Front suspension: Ohlins forks
Rear suspension: Ohlins TTX shock
Front brakes: Dual 320mm Brembo rotors with Brembo four-piston radial-mount monoblock calipers and radial-pull master-cylinder
Rear brake: Brembo
Front wheel: OZ Racing
Rear wheel: OZ Racing
Front tyre: Pirelli Slick, 120/70 – 16.5
Rear tyre: Pirelli Slick, 190/50 – 16.5 or 200/55 – 16.5
Instruments: BMW Racing
MotoGP to roar into the city streets of Adelaide from 2027 | MotoGP has confirmed that the Australian Grand Prix will move to the Adelaide Street Circuit from 2027, marking a first-of-its-kind event for the sport. The deal lasts until 2032 inclusively and the track will be 4.195km long. Press: MotoGP.
MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group, the South Australian Government and the City of Adelaide announced today that the Australian Grand Prix will be hosted on a city centre circuit in Adelaide from 2027. The six‑year agreement begins next season and will see MotoGP race at the Adelaide Street Circuit until 2032 inclusive. This landmark event will be the first MotoGP Grand Prix to be held in a city‑centre location – with the uncompromised safety standards required in the modern era of the sport.
Pic: Yamaha Motor Australia
The circuit layout was unveiled in Adelaide on Thursday 19 February in front of national media by MotoGP Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta and Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas. It was confirmed that the inaugural Australian GP in Adelaide will be held across three days in November 2027. The circuit will be approximately 4.195 km long with 18 corners winding through the city streets, enabling riders to reach speeds of more than 340 km/h.
Pic: Yamaha Motor Australia
The track design follows the blueprint of the famous Adelaide Street Circuit that hosted Formula 1 events between 1985 and 1995, with the significant adjustments required to ensure rider safety remains the number‑one priority. The city’s layout, culture and passion for major events make Adelaide the perfect home for a premium, festival‑style urban Grand Prix – providing a unique opportunity to elevate the fan experience to a new level.
Pic: Yamaha Motor Australia
MotoGP Chief Sporting Officer, Carlos Ezpeleta, said: “Bringing MotoGP to Adelaide marks a major milestone in the evolution of our championship. This city has a world‑class reputation for hosting major sporting events, and the opportunity to design a purpose‑built circuit in the city streets is something truly unique in our sport.
Pic: Yamaha Motor Australia
“From the very beginning, together with the FIM, we made sure that safety remained uncompromised – every element of the Adelaide Street Circuit has been engineered to meet the highest standards of modern MotoGP, ensuring riders can race at full intensity with complete confidence.
“Adelaide’s commitment to major events makes it the perfect home for MotoGP’s next chapter in Australia. We’re incredibly excited to showcase a new style of racing here and to create a true celebration of our sport that brings fans even closer to the action.
“This partnership represents bold ambition from both MotoGP and Australia – and we couldn’t be prouder to begin this journey together.”
The Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas, added: “This is a major coup for South Australia and yet more evidence our state has real momentum. “We are now competing with the rest of the nation for the world’s best events – and winning. Hosting the world’s first MotoGP race on a street circuit will give Adelaide a truly unique offering that is sure to attract visitors from interstate and overseas.
“This is about so much more than a world‑class motorsport event – it’s about generating economic activity for our state, supporting jobs, and putting South Australia on the global stage.
“We back major events that deliver a strong economic return, and MotoGP does exactly that. MotoGP is growing globally at record pace – and Adelaide will now be a key part of that growth story.”
WorldSBK testing at Phillip Island wrapped up with Nicolo Bulega firmly on top, the Ducati rider sweeping all sessions as the Italian brand locked out the top four. With rivals chasing and crashes adding drama, attention now turns to this weekend’s season-opening showdown.
WorldSBK testing at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit wrapped up with Nicolo Bulega setting the benchmark on a dominant Ducati showing. The Italian topped all four sessions, completing 138 laps of the 4.445km circuit, while the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati squad locked out the first four positions on the timesheets.
Bulega’s fastest lap of 1’28.630 confirmed his status as the man to beat, with Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) six tenths behind. Bassani and Lowes proved competitive for bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team, completing a combined 140 laps and showing strong pace ahead of the opening round.
Crashes marred the final day of testing, with Jake Dixon sidelined by a fractured left wrist after a Turn 11 fall. Stefano Manzi and Alvaro Bautista also crashed at Turn 2 and Turn 10 respectively, though Bautista still topped the mileage charts with 74 laps.
Get your tickets and find out the info for Phillip Island here…
Lorenzo Baldassarri’s return to Superbike impressed as the Team GoEleven rider ended the test third fastest, while Miguel Oliveira led the rookies in seventh place for ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.
Nicolo Bulega – P1:
“I feel good with the bike. We tried something different during the second session but then returned to the previous setting. There’s still a lot of room to improve, and I want to take that step forward with my team ahead of the race weekend.”
Sam Lowes – P2:
“I had a really good day. We improved the bike this afternoon and I found a good rhythm after a longer run in the morning. The team has done a great job session by session, and I feel competitive heading into the weekend.”
Lorenzo Baldassarri – P3:
“It was another positive day. We focused on consistency with the race tyre and built a strong feeling with the bike. Testing results were a bit unexpected, but I feel ready for the first race weekend.”
Day 2 Combined Results:
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’28.630s
Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.666s
Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) +0.698s
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.721s
Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.743s
Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.945s
Testing now concluded, the paddock turns its focus to Round 1, with Bulega and Ducati looking ominously strong as the season opener approaches.
The Superbike World Championship field hit the ground running under near-perfect conditions on the opening day of pre-season testing at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Monday, with blue skies and a light breeze providing a welcome contrast to the cold winter tests endured across Europe.
Pre-season title favourite Nicolo Bulega wasted no time stamping his authority, topping both sessions for the Aruba.It Racing – Ducati squad. The Italian completed 72 laps and logged more than 30 tours under the 1m30s mark, underlining his strong pace aboard the new Ducati package. Only three other riders managed to dip beneath the 90-second barrier, with Axel Bassani emerging as Bulega’s closest challenger. The bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team rider ended the day just 0.291s adrift.It was a dramatic opening for Sam Lowes, who endured a technical issue in the morning followed by an afternoon crash. Despite the setbacks, the ELF Marc VDS Racing Team rider rallied strongly, setting his fastest lap late in the day during a six-lap stint to secure third overall.After limited dry running over the European winter, Xavi Vierge impressed as the fastest Yamaha rider, placing ninth aboard the Pata Maxus Yamaha machine. A morning crash failed to derail reigning Supersport World Champion Stefano Manzi, who finished just two-tenths behind Vierge as he continues adapting to life in the Superbike class with the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team.Rookie honours went to Jake Dixon, the former Moto2 rider ending the day tenth for Honda HRC, ahead of Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Manzi.The session wasn’t without incident, with eight crashes recorded during Superbike running. Among them was an early-afternoon fall for Alvaro Bautista at Turn 5. The double world champion and eight-time Phillip Island race winner still managed eighth fastest, almost a second off Bulega’s benchmark, and is expected to close the gap as testing continues.Speaking after topping Day One, Bulega said the focus was on mileage and understanding the new bike following disrupted winter testing. Despite the hot conditions costing a few tenths, he was encouraged by the base setup and remains confident of making further gains ahead of race weekend.
Day One Results (Top Six)
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) – 1’29.345
Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.291
Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.562
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.576
Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) +0.670
Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.914
Kawasaki to Show Flagship Bikes at WorldSBK Australian Round at Phillip Island | Kawasaki Motors Australia has confirmed its display lineup for the upcoming Motul FIM Superbike World Championship round at Phillip Island, running from 20–22 February 2026. Press: KMA
Fans and media attending the international racing weekend can see a broad selection of Kawasaki’s latest and most iconic motorcycles on static display, spanning hypersport, supersport and heritage-inspired road models.
At the heart of the exhibit will be Kawasaki’s performance machines, including the supercharged Ninja H2 and the high-performance Ninja ZX-10R, a model with deep links to WorldSBK racing and recent global updates reflecting its track-borne pedigree.
Ninja H2™
The Kawasaki lineup also features well-rounded sport and roadster models such as the Ninja ZX-6R, the retro-styled Z900RS SE, and the accessible middleweight Z500 SE, offering something for a wide range of riders and enthusiasts.
Complementing the Kawasaki machines, the display will also showcase several Bimota models, a marque closely associated with Kawasaki through shared engineering and racing ties. Among these are the striking Tesi H2 and its TERA variant, along with the KB4 and KB998 Rimini, the latter reflecting Bimota’s blend of Italian design and Kawasaki-derived performance.
The WorldSBK Australian Round is a highlight on the global racing calendar, bringing elite motorcycle racing to Phillip Island’s fast, flowing 4.445 km layout each summer. Kawasaki’s presence on paddock and display underscores the brand’s strong connection to performance culture in both competition and road-going motorcycles.
Kawasaki welcomes visitors to check out its full display throughout the WorldSBK weekend, with social media channels set to share event highlights and behind-the-scenes content. See you there!
Yamaha Motor Australia and MotoSchool have announced an expanded partnership through 2026, headlined by the introduction of a new YZF-R9 hire bike fleet and an exclusive Yamaha Customer Day, marking a major step forward for track-based rider experiences in Australia.
Building on the success of the 2025 program, the collaboration now delivers a fully integrated R-Experience platform, combining Yamaha machinery, performance parts and professional coaching into a unified national rider experience. Central to the program is MotoSchool’s all-new fleet of YZF-R9s, supported by Yamaha Genuine Accessories and race-proven components.
MotoSchool’s training environment will now fully integrate Yamalube oils and maintenance products, GYTR performance accessories, Akrapovic exhaust systems, and Dunlop tyres via Ficeda Accessories. Together, these elements create a premium accessible setup for riders looking to develop skills in a professional track environment.At the heart of the 2026 program is MotoSchool’s R-Experience, a structured, race-inspired immersion anchored by the new YZF-R9. Each bike is fitted with a GYTR Akrapovič titanium race exhaust system and prepared to professional standards. Riders can choose between Dunlop race slicks for advanced training or Dunlop treaded slick track day tyres for high-performance road-based track riding.
MotoSchool says the R-Experience is designed as a true brand engagement platform rather than a simple hire fleet, allowing participants to arrive, ride and immerse themselves in Yamaha’s next-generation supersport technology.An exclusive Yamaha Customer Day has also been confirmed for Sunday, March 29 at Sydney Motorsport Park’s Grand Prix Circuit. Open to all Yamaha road models and rider experience levels, the YamaFest event will offer customers their first public opportunity to hire a YZF-R9 and take part in the R-Experience.
“What we’ve built with MotoSchool goes far beyond a traditional partnership,” says Mathew Ferry, General Manager Sales & Marketing, Land Mobility at Yamaha Motor Australia.
“It’s a platform that brings riders closer to our brand, our technology, and our philosophy. Extending this partnership into 2026 and launching the YZF-R9 hire fleet and Yamaha Customer Day, allows us to offer something truly unique to our customers,” he adds. “What Yamaha Motor Australia has created through this partnership is something truly special,” says Haydan Parker, Managing Director and Founder of MotoSchool.”
“The best way I can describe it is that it felt like riding a big R3 with grunt. That same nimble, flickable feel, but with the torque-rich triple engine launching you out of corners with authority”…
“The Yamaha team has shown what’s possible when a manufacturer genuinely commits to riders through experience, education, and community. This partnership is a blueprint for how brands can invest in the future of motorcycling in a meaningful way.”
“Together, we’ve built a model that removes barriers and opens doors. An environment where world-class machinery and elite coaching are no longer reserved for the few. The 2026 program proves that when motorcycle distributors and rider development organisations work in true partnership, the result is not just better riders, but a stronger, more connected global motorcycle culture,” he continues.
“For the first time, riders can step straight into a race-inspired Yamaha environment, ride the new YZF-R9, train with elite coaches, and be part of a community that’s built around learning and passion. We aim to offer riders the chance to experience something completely new,” ends Parker.
More details on the R-Experience and YamaFest Customer Day will be announced shortly.
Feel the thunder this weekend at Sydney Dragway as the 2026 NSW Championship Series launches. Elite racers, fierce battles and non-stop action await. Grab your tickets now and be trackside for Round One excitement with friends, family and racing fans…
Get out to Sydney Dragway this weekend for the action and stay tuned to BikeReview.com.au and PitBoard.com.au as we follow the series throughout 2026. Don’t miss the opening round, and be sure to follow BikeReview.com.au and PitBoard.com.au throughout 2026 for race reports, photos, results and behind-the-scenes coverage from the NSW Championship Series.
Buy your tickets for Round One here… and view the Sydney Dragway 2026 calendar here…
ROUND 1 – 2026 NSW Championship Series
A new year. A new series. A fresh opportunity to be crowned champion. The 2026 NSW Championship Series roars into life at Sydney Dragway on Saturday, 7 February 2026, as Australia’s best Sportsman drag racers line up for the opening round of what promises to be a fiercely competitive season.
Spanning eight action-packed rounds, the NSW Championship is one of the most diverse and hotly contested drag racing series in the country, featuring everything from fire-breathing boosted machines to ultra-competitive street and junior categories. With championship points up for grabs from round one, every pass down the quarter mile counts.
Fans can expect full fields and close racing across an impressive range of brackets, including
Iconicote Boosted Outlaws Extreme Bike
Platinum Powder Coating Modified Eliminator
Micks Metal Roofing Top Sportsman
Go Logistics Super Sedan BikeReview.com.au Modified Bike
Powerplus Super Street
Speedflow Junior Dragster Speedflow Junior Drag Bike
Super Gas
Jetters HQ Street Fighter Heavy Duty Magazine Street Bike
Real Street
From rising stars eager to make their mark to proven champions defending their status, Round One will set the tone for the entire season. Expect tight racing, big performances and plenty of early championship drama as the road to glory officially begins at Sydney Dragway.
As proud sponsors of Sydney Dragway two-wheel racing for 22 years in 2026, Jeff and Heather Ware (JPMedia P/L – publishers of BikeReview and PitBoard, formerly Rapid Bikes Magazine) are excited to continue their long-standing partnership with the sport sponsoring Modified Bike again this year and look forward to bringing fans even more coverage from trackside this season.
The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship will return to Australian shores on February 20–22, 2026. Marking its 35th year on the WorldSBK calendar, the Phillip Island round remains one of the most anticipated events of the season for fans and riders alike. Photos: Brett Butler
With just over a month to go, organisers have officially released the full three-day event schedule, confirming a packed program of international and domestic racing across the weekend – we will see you there!
World Championship On-Track Action
On the international front, WorldSBK will begin proceedings on Friday, February 20, with two Free Practice sessions, while the World Supersport (WorldSSP) field will complete Free Practice followed by the all-important Tissot Superpole session.
Saturday’s action ramps up with WorldSBK’s final Free Practice, before Superpole and Race 1 close out the day. WorldSSP will contest a Warm Up session ahead of Race 1 later in the afternoon.
The event concludes on Sunday, February 22, with WorldSBK Warm Up, followed by the Tissot Superpole Race and the final feature Race 2, scheduled for a 4:00pm finish. WorldSSP will also complete their Warm Up and Race 2 during the closing day.
Strong Australian and International Line-Up
All permanent WorldSBK and WorldSSP riders have been confirmed for the season opener. Australia’s presence remains strong, with Remy Gardner returning for his fourth WorldSBK season aboard the GYTR GRT Yamaha, while Oli Bayliss continues in World Supersport with PTR Triumph Factory Racing.
Check out the awesome Pirelli Tyre ticket giveaway here…
Several high-profile changes headline the 2026 grid, including Miguel Oliveira, who will make his WorldSBK debut with the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, following a long MotoGP career. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) enters the season as one of the favourites after finishing runner-up in 2025, just 13 points behind outgoing champion Toprak Razgatlioglu, who departs for MotoGP in 2026.
Australian Superbike Championship Support
Supporting the World Championship is Round 1 of the 2026 Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK), featuring Australian Superbike, Supersport, and Supersport 300 categories.
Domestic classes begin Friday morning with Free Practice, followed by Qualifying for Supersport and Supersport 300. Supersport 300 Race 1 will close out Friday’s track action.
Saturday includes Australian Superbike Qualifying, Supersport 300 Race 2, Supersport Race 1, and Australian Superbike Race 1, before Supersport completes Race 2 later in the day.
Sunday delivers the final domestic races of the round, with Supersport 300 Race 3, Australian Superbike Race 2, Supersport Race 3, and Australian Superbike Race 3 rounding out the weekend.
Tickets, Access and Fan Experience
General Admission tickets offer extensive viewing access across the circuit, including the popular outfield areas near Gardner Straight. Fans can also ride their motorcycles directly to select viewing points.
Premium options include BarSBK, offering prime viewing locations at Doohan Corner, Siberia and Lukey Heights, as well as camping at the circuit, with both motorcycle-only and general camping areas available. Limited powered sites are offered.
For the ultimate experience, VIP Hospitality and ClubSBK packages provide pit roof access, premium facilities and views of Superbikes reaching speeds of up to 320km/h along Gardner Straight.
All ticket holders receive free paddock access, including Parc Fermé, podium celebrations, rider interviews, merchandise, food and drink, and The Paddock Show, hosted by Michael Hill across all three days.
