“I have a target on my back” says Daniel Falzon heading to Wakefield

Caterpillar Racing Yamaha rider (YZF-R1), Daniel Falzon realises that the rest of the paddock will be chasing him down at Round Two Wakefield Park Raceway, March 17 – 19, for the 2017 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK).

Daniel Falzon is relishing the spotlight, being the Yamaha Motorcycle Insurance (YMI) Superbike Championship leader, ahead of Round Two Wakefield Park Raceway.

“It’s an amazing feeling to be leading the championship – it’s a big points gap as well. 22 points to second position and 27 to third, it gives us a nice buffer for this round. I’ve got a bit of confidence going into Round Two,” Falzon exclaimed.

Despite such a dominating display in Round One, Falzon realises that an alternate approach is necessary to maintain his championship lead. “Round Two will probably be different scenario, I’ve got to start riding a little more conservatively, because one crash will destroy our points buffer. We have to play it safer at tracks like Wakefield Park Raceway, which is synonymous for people crashing. I have to stay on the bike, get some solid points and we’ll move to tracks where I’m much more confidant, like Winton and Hidden Valley, to go all out for race wins.” Falzon said.

Daniel Falzon at Phillip Island – Image: Andrew Gosling, TPG Photography

Wakefield Park Raceway has never been one of Falzon’s strongest tracks; even admitting it’s probably his weakest track on the calendar. “I’m not that fast compared to some other riders at this track but then again, we have improved a lot since last year and I can’t see any reason why we can’t be in the top five.” Falzon explained.

To fight for wins is going to be a difficult task for Falzon at Wakefield Park Raceway. “This round is going to be difficult, I’m going to do my best, no matter what. The Honda’s will be difficult to beat here and the two Yamaha boys (Yamaha Racing Team) also after a difficult Round One for them, so they will have to make up some points. Right now the targets on my back but really I’ve just got to play it safe.” According to Falzon.

When asked who else could be a championship threat, Falzon made note that you can’t write anyone off yet; “At the moment the competition is so strong, you’ve got the boys from Suzuki, Yamaha and Honda that will defiantly be strong and you’ve also got the privateers that are also going to be fast. So it’s going to be about being consistent and trying to be fast at every track.” Falzon pointed out.

Be sure to attend Round Two Wakefield Park Raceway March 17 – 19, to see if Falzon will maintain his championship lead!

For more information on the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli, head to www.asbk.com.au or like the ASBK on Facebook for live race results and to keep up do date with all the latest racing news this coming weekend.

Can’t make it to the track this weekend? Then make sure to watch ASBK action on free-to-air television, channel SBS 2pm-4pm AEDT or Live Stream asbk.com.au, 10am-5pm AEDT this Sunday.