Team Suzuki ECSTAR Australia ready for ASBK Rnd1

By Bike Review • 7 years ago •

Round 1 of the 2018 Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) kicks off this weekend along side the opening round of the World Superbike Championship at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit and the Team Suzuki ECSTAR Australia duo of Josh Waters and Markus Chiodo are fired up to battle it out against the best in Australia.

Josh Waters – Image by TBG

Team owner, Dale Brede saying, “We’re pretty excited coming into Round 1. 2017 was a year to work with PTR (Phil Tainton Racing) and develop the bike, so to open the back of the transporter at the first round with the number 1 on the bike as well as an exciting young rider in Markus is pretty confidence inspiring. We’re right behind Josh, and today’s practice session just reinforces that we are able to keep moving forward from where we left off last season.”

Josh Waters and Mark Chiodo – Image by TBGSport

Practice session saw both riders work on settings developed during testing in January with Josh setting the pace (1:32.798) while Markus continues to get to terms with the new machine sitting 12th ahead of many riders with more superbike experience than the young Melbourne based racer.

Josh Waters – Image by TBG

Defending Champion, Josh Waters explaining, “It’s a little surreal heading into the season with the number one plate. I was confident I would be competitive in 2017, but the bike was brand new so there was very few expectations on me or the team, so coming in this year as defending champion against a competitive field with the same team behind me, I know we can be at the front and now I’m looking forward to getting down to business in the first race.”

Mark Chiodo – Image by TBGSport

Superbike Rookie, Markus Chiodo adding, “It’s been an unbelievable roller coaster over these last months preparing to race against the fastest racers in Australia. Its a big change going from supersport to superbike, not just in the obvious power difference but the difference in lines and corner speed. The entire team are right behind me and I can’t wait to line up for the first race on Saturday afternoon.”