Defending champ Jones quickest at Australian Superbike test
The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit provided all of the goods today, with riders given the opportunity to stretch their legs at the Australian Superbike Test Day, ahead of the upcoming rounds of the World Superbike Championship and Australian Superbike Championship on March 26-28, 2016.
In what were perfect riding conditions, close to 30 riders took full advantage of the track time, allowing some of Australia’s fastest Superbike and Supersport competitors to gain valuable experience on what is known as one of Australia’s fastest racing circuits, Phillip Island.
Crankt Protein Honda Racing’s Jamie Stauffer, showed impressive form this morning, however it was ASBK defending champion Mike Jones on his Desmo Sport Ducati machine who took the fastest test time of the day with a 1.33.738
“The conditions here at Phillip Island today are really good. I think that the circuit isn’t quite so quick today,” he said.
“In terms of setup, we are making good progress and I think we are moving in the right direction,” he said.
“I’m starting to get a lot more comfortable on the Ducati, particularly with the more laps I spend in the seat.”
Mark Chiodo topped the Supersport test times, putting down a fastest lap of 1.38.468, proving the value of the track time here at Phillip Island was paying off.
“I wasn’t going to well earlier this morning, but we made a few changes and that changed the whole bike. We put new tyres on and the bike ended up being a lot quicker. Now we know where we are going with the bike, it’s new but we are getting there.” Said Chiodo.
Today was an ideal chance for riders to test tyres, bike setup, and improve on speed, while tomorrow teams and riders will be provided with a second opportunity to test when they hit the track for day two of the Australian Superbike Test.
To stay updated with information regarding the World Superbike Championship Phillip Island round, or to stay up to date with the ASBK, head to www.ma.org.au or www.asbk.com.au
