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ASBK Round 1 | Sunday Reports, Roulstone and Voight Rule

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Round one of the Penrite Australian Superbike Championship delivered a fitting finale at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, with Jacob Roulstone and Harrison Voight claiming the SW-Motech Superbike honours in dramatically different fashion on Sunday. Press: ASBK Media Photos: RbMotoLens

L to R: Roulstone, Dunker and Voight.

Roulstone (Motocity Honda) produced one of the rides of the weekend in race two, launching from third position on the final lap to snatch his maiden ASBK Superbike victory in just his second start. In contrast, Voight (McMartin Racing Ducati) was untouchable in race three, delivering a clinical, front-running performance to underline his status as an early title favourite.

Tara Morrison around the outside.

With a 1-4-1 scorecard across the three races, Voight emerged as the overall round winner and leaves Phillip Island with a six-point championship lead over Roulstone, 68 points to 62, heading into round two at Sydney Motorsport Park on March 27–28. Cameron Dunker (Blue Marlin Pools Racing Yamaha) sits third overall on 56 points.

“I’m chuffed with how things have gone this weekend,” Voight said. “My pace was great, and even in the mixed conditions of race two I was thinking about the championship. Overall, it’s been a fantastic start to the year.”

R2-Start

SW-Motech Superbike

Light drizzle played a significant role in both 11-lap Superbike races, creating constant tyre-choice headaches for teams and riders. After a frantic switch to slicks following the sighting lap of race two, defending champion Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati) launched strongly and controlled the race until the closing moments.

Waters came under increasing pressure from Glenn Allerton before being overwhelmed on the final lap, with Dunker slicing through at Turn 2 and Roulstone diving past at Turn 4. Roulstone then executed a perfectly judged move on Dunker exiting Turn 10 to secure a sensational breakthrough Superbike victory. Waters held on for third ahead of Voight, Glenn Allerton, Anthony West, Mike Jones and Cru Halliday.

Race three belonged entirely to Voight. Breaking away from the pack almost immediately, the 19-year-old reeled off a blistering 1:30.855 on lap three – just shy of his own circuit benchmark – before managing his advantage as drizzle returned late in the race. It marked Voight’s third Superbike victory at Phillip Island in only seven starts.

Behind him, the battle for the podium remained intense. Roulstone briefly ran off on lap eight and dropped to seventh, but mounted a strong recovery to finish fourth behind Voight, Jonathan Nahlous and Dunker. West completed the top five ahead of Waters, Allerton and Jack Favelle. After round one, Waters sits fourth in the championship standings on 50 points, followed by Nahlous (47), West (45), Allerton (42) and Jones (42).

Tara Morrison (Kawasaki) who romped to a three-second start to finish victory in the shortened four-lapper.

Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen

Declared a wet race but ridden at dry-race intensity, the final Kawasaki Supersport/Supersport Next Gen encounter delivered one of the finishes of the season. Olly Simpson (DesmoSport Ducati) claimed victory by a scarcely believable 0.001 seconds after drafting past Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati) at the line.

Simpson had nearly thrown away his chances moments earlier with a near-crash at Turn 9, allowing Toparis to take lead. Refusing to concede, Simpson regrouped and struck back in the final metres to seal his second win of the weekend.

Tom Edwards (BCperformance Kawasaki) was close behind in third ahead of Jake Farnsworth, Hayden Nelson, Will Nassif, Roberto Tamburini and rookie Ghage Plowman. Tamburini leads the Supersport standings after round one on 69 points, while Simpson tops Supersport Next Gen from Edwards and Nelson.

Race and Road Supersport 300

Morning drizzle created sketchy conditions for the final Race and Road Supersport 300 race, but it mattered little to Tara Morrison (Kawasaki), who dominated the shortened four-lap encounter for a commanding three-second victory.

It marked Morrison’s third Phillip Island win in the past nine races and lifted her to third in the championship standings. Lincoln Knight (Yamaha) finished second, while Jordy Simpson completed a clean sweep of third places for the weekend. The 2026 ASBK Championship now moves to Sydney Motorsport Park for round two on March 27–28.

Full results can be found for all classes here…

 

 

Round one of the Penrite Australian Superbike Championship delivered a fitting finale at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, with Jacob Roulstone and Harrison Voight claiming the SW-Motech Superbike honours in dramatically different fashion on Sunday. Press: ASBK Media Photos: RbMotoLens

L to R: Roulstone, Dunker and Voight.

Roulstone (Motocity Honda) produced one of the rides of the weekend in race two, launching from third position on the final lap to snatch his maiden ASBK Superbike victory in just his second start. In contrast, Voight (McMartin Racing Ducati) was untouchable in race three, delivering a clinical, front-running performance to underline his status as an early title favourite.

Tara Morrison around the outside.

With a 1-4-1 scorecard across the three races, Voight emerged as the overall round winner and leaves Phillip Island with a six-point championship lead over Roulstone, 68 points to 62, heading into round two at Sydney Motorsport Park on March 27–28. Cameron Dunker (Blue Marlin Pools Racing Yamaha) sits third overall on 56 points.

“I’m chuffed with how things have gone this weekend,” Voight said. “My pace was great, and even in the mixed conditions of race two I was thinking about the championship. Overall, it’s been a fantastic start to the year.”

R2-Start

SW-Motech Superbike

Light drizzle played a significant role in both 11-lap Superbike races, creating constant tyre-choice headaches for teams and riders. After a frantic switch to slicks following the sighting lap of race two, defending champion Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati) launched strongly and controlled the race until the closing moments.

Waters came under increasing pressure from Glenn Allerton before being overwhelmed on the final lap, with Dunker slicing through at Turn 2 and Roulstone diving past at Turn 4. Roulstone then executed a perfectly judged move on Dunker exiting Turn 10 to secure a sensational breakthrough Superbike victory. Waters held on for third ahead of Voight, Glenn Allerton, Anthony West, Mike Jones and Cru Halliday.

Race three belonged entirely to Voight. Breaking away from the pack almost immediately, the 19-year-old reeled off a blistering 1:30.855 on lap three – just shy of his own circuit benchmark – before managing his advantage as drizzle returned late in the race. It marked Voight’s third Superbike victory at Phillip Island in only seven starts.

Behind him, the battle for the podium remained intense. Roulstone briefly ran off on lap eight and dropped to seventh, but mounted a strong recovery to finish fourth behind Voight, Jonathan Nahlous and Dunker. West completed the top five ahead of Waters, Allerton and Jack Favelle. After round one, Waters sits fourth in the championship standings on 50 points, followed by Nahlous (47), West (45), Allerton (42) and Jones (42).

Tara Morrison (Kawasaki) who romped to a three-second start to finish victory in the shortened four-lapper.

Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen

Declared a wet race but ridden at dry-race intensity, the final Kawasaki Supersport/Supersport Next Gen encounter delivered one of the finishes of the season. Olly Simpson (DesmoSport Ducati) claimed victory by a scarcely believable 0.001 seconds after drafting past Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati) at the line.

Simpson had nearly thrown away his chances moments earlier with a near-crash at Turn 9, allowing Toparis to take lead. Refusing to concede, Simpson regrouped and struck back in the final metres to seal his second win of the weekend.

Tom Edwards (BCperformance Kawasaki) was close behind in third ahead of Jake Farnsworth, Hayden Nelson, Will Nassif, Roberto Tamburini and rookie Ghage Plowman. Tamburini leads the Supersport standings after round one on 69 points, while Simpson tops Supersport Next Gen from Edwards and Nelson.

Race and Road Supersport 300

Morning drizzle created sketchy conditions for the final Race and Road Supersport 300 race, but it mattered little to Tara Morrison (Kawasaki), who dominated the shortened four-lap encounter for a commanding three-second victory.

It marked Morrison’s third Phillip Island win in the past nine races and lifted her to third in the championship standings. Lincoln Knight (Yamaha) finished second, while Jordy Simpson completed a clean sweep of third places for the weekend. The 2026 ASBK Championship now moves to Sydney Motorsport Park for round two on March 27–28.

Full results can be found for all classes here…

 

 

 

WorldSBK Round 1 | Bulega Wins On Sunday, Bimota Double Podium

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A perfect weekend for Nicolo Bulega and a great weekend for Bimota. After claiming Superpole and winning the Superpole Race earlier in the day, the Aruba.it Racing Ducati rider completed the clean sweep by dominating Race 2 of the 2026 WorldSBK season opener. Photos: WorldSBK

Nicolo Bulega celebrates over the line, “The track became quite slippery but I managed to win again. I’m really happy.”

TISSOT SUPERPOLE RACE

Sunday morning’s Tissot Superpole Race proved unpredictable as light rain fell shortly before the start, creating mixed grip conditions and forcing riders to adapt on slick tyres.

Starting from the middle of the front row, Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) quickly asserted control, stalking early leader Yari Montella before making a decisive move at Turn 10 once the rain intensified. From there, Bulega managed the conditions superbly to secure his second win of the day and maximum points heading into Race 2. Montella made a dream start, claiming the holeshot into Turn 1 and leading his first-ever WorldSBK laps.

The Barni Spark Racing Team rider held firm in the early stages but gradually slipped back as the rain increased, eventually finishing just outside the podium in fourth. The Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team enjoyed a breakthrough result, with Axel Bassani and Alex Lowes delivering a double podium for the Italian manufacturer. Bassani’s second place marked his first WorldSBK podium since 2023, while Lowes successfully defended third under pressure from Montella in the closing laps.

 

Behind the podium fight, Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) and Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) ran closely together throughout, while Alvaro Bautista and Iker Lecuona capitalised on the conditions to recover from deep grid positions and secure valuable points and improved starting positions for Race 2.

TISSOT SUPERPOLE RACE – Top 10 Results
1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
2. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +2.752s
3. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +3.563s
4.  Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team)
5. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team)
6. Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team)
7. Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team)
8. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha)
9. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
10. Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)

A torrential downpour made Race 2 treacherous, but Bulega converted pole into the lead and controlled the race throughout. He was over a second clear after one lap, five seconds ahead at half distance and 11 seconds in front at the flag in a masterclass of wet-weather riding.

Read our race news and WorldSBK features here…

Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) started from the front row and battled the Lowes brothers early on before settling into third for much of the race. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) showed strong pace and passed Bassani on Lap 2, but crashed heavily at Turn 9 on Lap 16. His misfortune promoted teammate Alvaro Bautista to his first podium of the season.

A torrential downpour made Race 2 treacherous, but Bulega converted pole into the lead and controlled the race.

Tarran Mackenzie (MGM Optical Express Racing) capitalised on the wet to secure a career-best fourth, while Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) crashed later in the race, easing Mackenzie’s run to the finish. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) led the Yamaha charge in fifth, ahead of Danilo Petrucci and Miguel Oliveira from the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.

Having spent the early stages of the race in podium contention, Sam Lowes suffered a high-speed crash at Turn 3. The ELF Marc VDS Racing Team rider was diagnosed with a left wrist fracture and contusions to his right hand and left ankle. Bulega leaves the opener with a 20-point lead over Bassani, while Montella remains third despite his Race 2 crash. Ducati tops the Manufacturers’ Standings by 20 points, with all six manufacturers scoring during the weekend.

 

 

Nicolo Bulega – “It was an amazing weekend. Honestly, it was incredible. The Superpole Race this morning was a bit tricky because it started to rain and we were on slick tyres. I had to be very careful but we won and I really enjoyed the race. I was a bit angry before Race 2 because I knew I had a very good feeling and strong pace in the dry but it started to rain. I tried to turn that frustration into positive energy to win in the wet as well. I started well and had a good feeling from the start. The track became quite slippery but I managed to win again. I’m really happy.”

Axel Bassani – “It’s been a really nice Sunday. We’ve been fast all week and had good, consistent pace. We were always inside the top five and I felt good with the bike. In the wet conditions I didn’t expect this result because during testing in the wet the feeling wasn’t great. I was cautious at the start and focused on being consistent and not making mistakes. In the end it worked. I want to thank the whole team for their hard work. We showed this morning, with both bikes on the podium, that the team is working very well. Alex is also fast and it’s been a really strong Sunday for us.”

 

 

Alvaro Bautista – “We tried a new setup and it helped me a lot. I felt more comfortable with the bike. During the Superpole Race, I was positive because I started from P12 and finished seventh. Our pace was good enough to fight for the podium, as I caught the front group, but the race was too short. In any case, I was happy with the feeling and the speed. In the wet for Race 2 it was a lottery. Finishing third was a good way to end the weekend. We’ll keep working to improve.”

WorldSBK – Race 2 Top 10 (Full results here…)
1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
2. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +11.336s
3. Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) +17.790s
4. Tarran Mackenzie (MGM Optical Express Racing) +28.356s
5. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) +30.966s
6. Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +31.901s
7. Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)
8. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
9. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team)
10. Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team)

WorldSBK – Championship Standings (after Round 1)
1. Nicolo Bulega – 62 points
2. Axel Bassani – 42
3. Yari Montella – 26
4. Lorenzo Baldassarri – 25
5. Alvaro Bautista – 19
6. Iker Lecuona – 19
7. Tarran Mackenzie – 17
8. Miguel Oliveira – 17
9. Sam Lowes – 16
10. Danilo Petrucci – 16

WorldSSP 600

A heavy rain shower before Race 2 left the grid gambling between wet tyres and slicks. The top riders who opted for slicks were rewarded, with Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) claiming victory in his debut WorldSSP weekend. From last on the grid, Aldi Satya Mahendra completed a stunning one-two for the team.

Jaume Masia, winner on Saturday for Orelac Racing Verdnatura, started from pole but chose wets and was forced to pit for a tyre change, finishing inside the top ten. Title rival Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) rebounded after pitting to take fifth at the flag.

Oli Bayliss was one of the riders who had to pit and change to slicks, stopping any chance of another podium.

Aussie Oli Bayliss was one caught up in the tyre issue, having to pit and change to slicks, stopping any chance of a second podium finish for the weekend, however, his race one form is a sign that the NSW rider is going to be a great one to watch for Australian fans this season…

Albert Arenas – “It feels great to win again! This has been a very special weekend. It’s been difficult though because we had some issues. We overcame them and to take the win was very satisfying. We tried both rain tyres and slicks in the warm-up and that helped us make our decision for the race. It was raining when I went to the grid but I could feel the bike was still rideable. I checked several weather forecasts and decided to take the gamble. In the end, it worked. It’s nice when the risk pays off.”

WorldSSP – Race 2 Top 10 (Full results here…)
1. Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team)
2. Aldi Satya Mahendra (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) +4.937s
3. Matteo Ferrari (WRP Racing) +13.967s
4. Alessandro Giombini (Motozoo by Puccetti Racing) +50.953s
5. Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) +1’25.203s
6. Roberto Garcia (GMT94 Yamaha) +1 lap
7. Alessandro Zaccone (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) +1 lap
8. Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) +1 lap
9. Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) +1 lap
10. Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) +1 lap

WorldSSP Championship Standings (after Round 1)
1. Albert Arenas – 38 points
2. Jaume Masia – 31
3. Matteo Ferrari – 26
4. Philipp Oettl – 25
5. Aldi Satya Mahendra – 23
6. Can Oncu – 22
7. Oli Bayliss – 20
8. Roberto Garcia – 17
9. Alessandro Zaccone – 17
10. Andrea Giombini – 13

 

WorldSBK Gallery | Phillip Island, Day Two Action Shots

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Saturday WorldSBK Gallery | Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit belonged to Nicolo Bulega, with the Italian completing a flawless day by securing pole position and converting it into a dominant Race 1 victory but all Aussie eyes were on Oli Bayliss. Enjoy our gallery and links. Photos: WorldSBK

Read our WorldSBK content here…

 

WorldSBK Round 1 | Bulega Dominates Superpole and Race 1, Bayliss Podiums

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Saturday at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit belonged to Nicolo Bulega, with the Italian completing a flawless day by securing pole position and converting it into a dominant Race 1 victory to open the 2026 WorldSBK season, but all Aussie eyes were on Oli Bayliss. Photos: WorldSBK

Bulega delivered Ducati’s landmark 200th WorldSBK pole position with a blistering 1’28.244s lap aboard his Aruba.it Racing Ducati machine.

In Tissot Superpole, Bulega delivered Ducati’s landmark 200th WorldSBK pole position with a blistering 1’28.244s lap aboard his Aruba.it Racing Ducati machine. It marked the tenth pole of his WorldSBK career and immediately set the tone for the opening race of the season. Behind him, Yari Montella claimed his first front-row start for the Barni Spark Racing Team, while Sam Lowes completed an all-Ducati front row for ELF Marc VDS Racing.

Tissot Superpole results are here… Read our WorldSBK content here…

World Superbike

When the lights went out for Race 1, Bulega converted pole into the holeshot and immediately began to stretch the field. Controlling the pace from the front, he led all 22 laps and crossed the line with a margin of just under five seconds to open his title campaign in emphatic fashion.

When the lights went out for Race 1, Bulega converted pole into the holeshot and immediately began to stretch the field.

Montella backed up his Superpole performance with a measured and mature ride to second place, holding position throughout the race to secure his maiden WorldSBK podium. The Italian never threatened the runaway leader but comfortably managed the gap to the riders behind.

Remy Gardner was also forced to retire and classified as a DNF, capping a challenging Race 1 for the manufacturer at Phillip Island…

The fight for the final podium position delivered one of the highlights of the race. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) absorbed sustained late-race pressure from Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team), crossing the line just 0.036s ahead to claim his first podium in the premier class.

Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) absorbed sustained late-race pressure from Axel Bassani.

One of the standout recovery rides came from Iker Lecuona, who charged from the fifth row of the grid to sixth place. His progress included a decisive pass on Alex Lowes at Turn 8 after closing rapidly in the second half of the race.

Montella backed up his Superpole performance with a measured and mature ride to second place.

Starting from 21st after a Superpole crash, Miguel Oliveira produced an impressive recovery ride to eighth. A lively mid-race battle with teammate Danilo Petrucci saw the pair exchange positions before Oliveira emerged ahead.

It was a difficult opening race for Yamaha. Xavi Vierge was running inside the top ten and leading the Yamaha charge before a heavy crash exiting Stoner Corner with six laps remaining ended his race. Fellow Australian Remy Gardner was also forced to retire and classified as a DNF, capping a challenging Race 1 for the manufacturer at Phillip Island.

WorldSBK – Race 1 Top 10 (Full results here…)
Nicolo Bulega
Yari Montella
Lorenzo Baldassarri
Axel Bassani
Sam Lowes
Iker Lecuona
Alex Lowes
Miguel Oliveira
Alberto Surra
Danilo Petrucci

WorldSSP 600

In WorldSSP, Jaume Masia dominated the opening race of the season for Orelac Racing Verdnatura, while Australia celebrated a home podium as Oli Bayliss claimed a career-first World Championship top three for PTR Triumph Factory Racing.

 

WorldSSP – Race 1 Top 10 (Full results here…)
Jaume Masia
Philipp Oettl
Oli Bayliss
Albert Arenas
Can Oncu
Matteo Ferrari
Ondrej Vostatek
Alessandro Zaccone
Roberto Garcia
Jeremy Alcoba

 

ASBK Round 1 | Saturday Reports From Phillip Island, Voight Wins

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Harrison Voight has fired an early warning shot to the SW-Motech Superbike field, delivering a commanding victory in the opening race of the Penrite Australian Superbike Championship season at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Press: ASBK Media Photos: RbMotoLens

The Queenslander wasted no time asserting control, launching his McMartin Racing Ducati into the lead from the outset and steadily stretching his advantage across the 11-lap encounter. Calm, precise and relentlessly fast, Voight was never seriously challenged on his way to a crushing win in just his sixth career Superbike start.

 

 

Behind him, the battle for the remaining podium places delivered the race’s drama. Superbike rookie Jacob Roulstone (Motocity Honda) rode with remarkable maturity to secure second place, while Cameron Dunker (Blue Marlin Pools Racing Yamaha) completed an all-young-guns SW-Motech Superbike podium.

As Voight checked out up front, a multi-rider freight train developed behind. Roulstone and Dunker traded blows while Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) remained poised just off their rear wheel, biding his time in trademark fashion.

 

 

Defending champion Josh Waters endured an eventful race, running off at Turn 4 on lap two before recovering to latch onto the leading group. He was joined by Jonathan Nahlous (Yamaha Racing Team) and polesitter Anthony West, forming a six-rider train that ultimately stayed intact to the chequered flag.

The order remained unchanged at the finish, with Roulstone crossing the line 2.932 seconds behind Voight and narrowly ahead of Dunker, Waters, Jones and Nahlous. For Waters, fifth place marked his first non-podium Superbike finish at Phillip Island since the opening round of the 2022 season.

 

 

West finished seventh ahead of Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati), Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati) and Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha), rounding out the top 10.

Supersport: Simpson and Tamburini share honours

The Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen classes delivered two fiercely contested races under perfect Phillip Island conditions. Olly Simpson (DesmoSport Ducati) claimed race one by just 0.075 seconds from polesitter Hayden Nelson (BCperformance Kawasaki), while evergreen Italian Roberto Tamburini (Addicted to Track Yamaha) capitalised on late-race drama to win race two by nearly a second over Tom Edwards.

 

 

Across the two races, Tamburini emerged as the top Supersport performer ahead of Valentino Knezovic and Scott Nicholson, while Simpson led the Supersport Next Gen standings from Edwards and Nelson.

Supersport 300: King takes Trans-Tasman honours

The Race and Road Supersport 300 class again produced edge-of-the-seat racing, with New Zealander Tyler King emerging victorious after an eight-lap all-in brawl. Just 0.593 seconds covered the top 11 riders at the finish, with Jordy Simpson completing the podium ahead of Rossi McAdam, Jake Senior and Phoenix O’Brien.

Lincoln Knight set the fastest lap of the race despite finishing at the tail of the leading pack, underlining the ferocity of the contest. Races two and three of the SW-Motech Superbike class will be held on Sunday morning and afternoon as Round 1 of the 2026 ASBK season continues.

 

WorldSBK Gallery | Phillip Island, Day One Action Shots

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The opening day of the 2026 WorldSBK season at the Phillip Island GP circuit unfolded much as expected, with pre-season favourite Nicolo Bulega stamping his authority on Friday practice… Here is our WorldSBK Gallery from the day, with links to results… Photography: JPMedia P/L

Full results for the day are here… and our Friday report is here…

 

 

ASBK Round 1 | Friday Reports from Phillip Island, West Fastest

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ASBK Round 1 Friday Reports | Anthony West has made a vibrant start to his new chapter in the Penrite Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli, topping Friday practice at the opening round of the season at Phillip Island. Press: ASBK Media Photos: RbMotoLens

Five months after the 44-year-old signed off from the final 2025 round at Phillip Island with a maiden SW-Motech Superbike victory aboard a Yamaha, Anthony West has picked up right where he left off at the 4.448km Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit—this time on a Ducati with the DesmoSport Ducati outfit.

West’s pace immediately sent a message to the Superbike field in the Australian Superbike Championship, but he was pushed hard across the two 30-minute sessions by Harrison Voight (McMartin Racing Ducati), with just 0.005s splitting the pair at day’s end. Defending five-time champion Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati) completed the top three on a circuit where he has been particularly dominant in recent seasons.

 

 

In the support classes, Hayden Nelson (BCperformance Kawasaki) and visiting Italian Roberto Tamburini (Addicted to Track Yamaha) topped qualifying in the combined Kawasaki-backed Supersport and Supersport Next Gen categories. Meanwhile, teenage charger Riley Nauta (Champions Ride Days Kawasaki) produced a stunning final lap to claim victory in a thrilling Race and Road Supersport 300 opener.

 

 

ASBK competition continues on Saturday with Superbike qualifying followed by one race in each class. There was also plenty for local fans to cheer in the world championship ranks, with Oli Bayliss (Triumph) qualifying second in World Supersport, giving himself a strong shot at his first victory in the category. Fellow Australian Remy Gardner (Yamaha) will also be firmly in contention in World Superbike race one.

SW-MOTECH SUPERBIKE

West certainly enjoyed his first official day in the Ducati camp, firing in a best lap of 1:31.492 during opening practice. He was one of four riders to break into the 1m31s bracket, alongside Voight, Waters and new Yamaha Racing Team recruit Jonathan Nahlous.

“We had a good start to the weekend,” said West. “It’s our first time as a team working together under the pressure of a race weekend and everyone is working together unreal. Track conditions changed a lot for FP2 and I was missing some rear grip, but we learnt more and it gives me a lot of confidence heading into tomorrow.”

Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha) rounded out the top five ahead of Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati), rookie Jacob Roulstone (Honda), Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team), Cameron Dunker (Blue Marlin Pools Racing Yamaha) and veteran Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati).

 

 

There was drama for Marcus Hamod (Honda), who crashed at turn 11 in FP1 and sat out the remainder of the day. He is expected to return for Saturday morning qualifying, where cooler conditions should allow for rapid lap times.

KAWASAKI SUPERSPORT / SUPERSPORT NEXT GEN

Nelson and Tamburini will lead the 21-rider combined field away in race one, with Tom Edwards lining up alongside them on the second BCperformance Kawasaki.

Olly Simpson (DesmoSport Ducati) rebounded strongly from electrical issues in practice to qualify fourth, ahead of Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha) and Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati). With a mix of young talent and seasoned campaigners behind them, all signs point to a highly competitive opening race.

 

 

RACE AND ROAD SUPERSPORT 300

If the opening Supersport 300 contest is any indication, the 2026 season is set to be a thriller. A lead group of six traded positions relentlessly throughout the eight-lap encounter, featuring Nauta, Tara Morrison (Kawasaki), Jordy Simpson (Yamaha), Tyler King (Yamaha), Phoenix O’Brien (Yamaha) and polesitter Orlando Peovitis (Kawasaki).

Nauta controlled much of the race before breaking clear on the final lap to score a decisive win by nearly two seconds. An impressive 28 riders reached the finish, with race two scheduled for 8:50am on Saturday morning.

 

WorldSBK Rd1 | Bulega and Masia Set the Pace on Friday

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The opening day of the 2026 WorldSBK season at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit unfolded much as expected, with pre-season favourite Nicolo Bulega stamping his authority on Friday practice…

The Aruba.it Racing Ducati rider topped both sessions and ended the day with a best lap of 1’28.858s.

The Aruba.it Racing Ducati rider topped both sessions and ended the day with a best lap of 1’28.858s, almost half a second clear of Alex Lowes, who led the chase aboard the impressive new Bimota KB998 Rimini superbike.

Remy Gardner was 19th on day one but should improve greatly as the weekend progresses.

A red flag in FP2, caused by wildlife straying onto the circuit, curtailed late running and meant Bulega’s most telling work came via a strong and consistent nine-lap stint. The Italian has looked supremely comfortable all week and arrives at a circuit where he famously claimed a clean sweep of victories last season. Once again, he looks the rider to beat.

Alex Lowes’ pace on long runs confirmed the potential of the Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team package.

Lowes’ day was highlighted by genuine progress in the hotter afternoon conditions. Although a Turn 4 fall ended his session early, the Briton’s pace on long runs confirmed the potential of the Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team package. Team-mate Axel Bassani reinforced that promise with fourth fastest overall, keeping Bimota firmly in the WorldSBK spotlight.

Axel Bassani reinforced that promise with fourth fastest overall, keeping Bimota firmly in the WorldSBK spotlight.

Third fastest was Sam Lowes, despite a Turn 1 crash in FP2 for the ELF Marc VDS Racing Team rider. Lowes completed 33 laps across the day and emerged as the leading Independent Rider, showing consistent 1’29s pace whenever he was able to push.

Third fastest was Sam Lowes, despite a Turn 1 crash in FP2 for the ELF Marc VDS Racing Team rider.

The strength of the Independent Ducati squads was further underlined by Alvaro Bautista, Lorenzo Baldassarri and Yari Montella, who rounded out positions five through seven on the combined timesheets for the day.

A quietly impressive Friday came from Garrett Gerloff, ninth fastest for the Kawasaki WorldSBK Team. The American showed clear progress in his second season on the Kawasaki, helped by reuniting with long-time crew chief Les Pearson.

Miguel Oliveira and Danilo Petrucci finishing tenth and twelfth respectively as they adapt to the BMW M 1000 RR.

The all-new ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team rider line-up continued its learning curve, with Miguel Oliveira and Danilo Petrucci finishing tenth and twelfth respectively as they adapt to the BMW M 1000 RR. Full results for the day are here…

WorldSSP: Masia the man to beat ahead of home-hero Bayliss

In WorldSSP, momentum from testing carried straight into qualifying as Jaume Masia completed a perfect Friday by claiming the first Tissot Superpole of the season. The Orelac Racing Verdnatura rider secured pole position with a 1’32.115s lap, edging the field by 0.172s.

Jaume Masia completed a perfect Friday by claiming the first Tissot Superpole of the season.

Australian fans had plenty to cheer about as Oli Bayliss delivered a career-best qualifying performance to line up second for PTR Triumph Factory Racing. Bayliss has been one of the standout riders all week and looks poised to challenge for race victory on home soil.

It was also a landmark session for a new manufacturer in the class, with Valentin Debise taking third on the grid aboard the ZXMOTO machine of ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing. The Frenchman completed 20 laps and appears well-prepared for the Chinese brand’s WorldSSP race debut.

Valentin Debise taking third on the grid aboard the ZXMOTO machine of ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing

Fourth went to Can Oncu, now with Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing, while Bayliss’ team-mate Tom Booth-Amos salvaged fifth despite a heavy Turn 11 highside that brought out a red flag late in the session. With strong pace across both championships and local heroes well placed, Phillip Island is set for a fascinating opening weekend of racing. Full results for the day are here…

WorldSBK Phillip Island Friday Gallery

 

ASBK 2026 News | Round One Race Action Kicks Off This Weekend!

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PitBoard
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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…

 

 

Track Guide: Phillip Island, Victoria by Andrew Pitt

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PB
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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!

Check out our other track guides here…

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.

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

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