Ex-Moto2 rider Randy Krummenacher had made the perfect start to his world supersport career with Kawasaki by taking a sensational victory in today’s dramatic 18-lap season-opener at Phillip Island.

Bike Review Andrew Pitt Interview Kawasaki PI WSBK 2016 (3)

The Swiss rider inherited the lead on lap 16 after teammate and world champion Kenan Sofuoglu unexpectedly crashed at turn six, and he was then unchallenged as he claimed the win from Honda rider Federico Caricasulo and Aussie top gun, Anthony West (Queensland), running a privateer Yamaha.

2016 Superbike World Championship, Winter Test, Phillip Island, Australia, 22-23 February 2016, Supersport, Randy Krummenacher, Kawasaki

Queensland’s West was sensational in his wildcard appearance on the locally prepared YZF-R6, and came onto Gardner Straight for the last time in front of Caricasulo but was unable to hold off his rival in the run to the chequered flag.

It was West’s second WorldSSP podium at Phillip Island after finishing third in the 2009 race.

R01_Phillip Island_West_Ant Anthony Bike Review

Four other Australians finished with world championship points today: Aiden Wagner (MV Agusta) in 10th, Glenn Scott (Honda) 12th, Alex Phillis (Honda) 14th and Mitch Levy (Yamaha) 15th.

Sixteen-year-old Lachlan Epis (Kawasaki) was 21st, while Kane Burns failed to finish on his Suzuki.

The WorldSSP race featured six different leaders, with American Patrick Jacobsen (Honda) the early leader before Jules Cluzel (MV Agusta), West and Sofuoglu also took their turns.

Things eventually turned sour for Cluzel — who’s won the last two WorldSSP races at Phillip Island — when he ran off at turn two battling with West, with Cluzel’s teammate Lorenzo Zanetti went down four corners later after another competitor touched his front wheel. Zanetti had worked his way through the pack after nearly crashing at turn 11 on lap one.

Meanwhile, Christian Gamarino (Kawasaki) finished fourth from Jacobsen and Alex Baldolini (MV Agusta).

Krummenacher came to WorldSSP after 10 years in grand prix racing — five years apiece in 125 GP and Moto2. His crew chief is none other than Australia’s former two-timer WorldSSP champion Andrew Pitt.

 

R01_Phillip Island_West_Ant Anthony Bike Review2Race Results

  1. Randy Krummenacher – Switzerland-  Kawasaki     WIN
  2. Federico Caricasulo – Italian-  Honda               2.747
  3. Anthony West – Australia– Yamaha                 2.761
  4. Christian Gamarino – Italian    Kawasaki            2.917
  5. Patrick Jacobsen – USA Honda                  3.20

Other Australians

  1. Aiden Wagner – Australia  – MV Agusta            18.172
  2. Glenn Scott – Australia (Central Coast)                   18.334
  3. Alex Phillis – Australia (Melb/Albury) Honda        38.311
  4. Mitch Levy – Australia Yamaha                         38.412
  5. Lachlan Epis – Australia (Syd) Kawasaki           1 lap

Ant West Does Australia Proud WSS WSBK Phillip Island Bike Review

 

Share this article