Motul FIM Superbike World Championship

Phillip Island, Australia

February 27, 2016

Race One Results (all on Pirelli tires):

1. Jonathan Rea, UK (Kaw ZX-10R), 22 laps, Total Race Time 33:47.823, Best Lap Time 1:31.547

2. Chaz Davies, UK (Duc Panigale R), -0.063 second, 1:31.540

3. Michael Van Der Mark, Netherlands (Hon CBR1000RR SP), -0.487, 1:31.469

4. Davide Giugliano, Italy (Duc Panigale R), -0.647, 1:31.445

5. Tom Sykes, UK (Kaw ZX-10R), -3.429 seconds, 1:31.603

6. Sylvain Guintoli, France (Yam YZF-R1), -3.510, 1:31.767

7. Leon Camier, UK (MV Agusta F4 RC), -10.721, 1:32.052

8. Jordi Torres, Spain (BMW S1000RR), -11.539, 1:31.812

9. Nicky Hayden, USA (Hon CBR1000RR SP), -15.534, 1:31.704

10. Josh Brookes, Australia (BMW S1000RR), -23.239, 1:32.237

11. Roman Ramos, Spain (Kaw ZX-10R), -23.411, 1:32.470

12. Lorenzo Savadori, Italy (Apr RSV4 RF), -24.012, 1:31.865

13. Karel Abraham, Czech Republic (BMW S1000RR), -37.281, 1:32.792

14. Mike Jones, Australia (Duc Panigale R), -44.720, 1:32.774

15. Sylvain Barrier, France (Kaw ZX-10R), -46.357, 1:32.991

16. Dominic Schmitter, Switzerland (Kaw ZX-10R), -68.238, 1:34.432

17. Saeed Al Sulaiti, Qatar (Kaw ZX-10R), -68.299, 1:34.179

18. Peter Sebestyen, Hungary (Yam YZF-R1), -90.771, 1:34.770

19. Imre Toth, Hungary (Yam YZF-R1), -1 lap, 1:37.360

20. Markus Reiterberger, Germany (BMW S1000RR), -1 lap, DNF, crash, 1:31.940

21. Alex Lowes, UK (Yam YZF-R1), -6 laps, DNF, crash, 1:31.848

22. Xavi Fores, Spain (Duc Panigale R), -11 laps, DNF, retired, 1:32.417

23. Alex De Angelis, San Marino (Apr RSV4 RF), -19 laps, DNF, retired, 1:33.192

More, from a press release issued by Dorna WSBK Press Office:

WorldSBK 2016: This Is War

Rea reigns as another battle breaks out on the Island

Jonathan Rea has kicked off his title defence with an incredible last lap victory over Ducati rider Chaz Davies, the Kawasaki rider pulling a move around the outside to beat Davies over the line by 0.063 seconds.

After a great getaway for both ZX-10Rs, Sykes and Rea went almost side-by-side into the Southern Loop as the first racing lap of the 2016 season got underway. The lead group off the line was led by the Kawasaki Racing Team pair, with Ducati’s Chaz Davies getting an amazing launch from ninth on the grid to join his teammate Giugliano and Honda rider Michael Van Der Mark in the battle at the front.

Rookie Aprilia rider Lorenzo Savadori was initially the last of the lead group of ten, before Yamaha duo Sylvain Guintoli and Alex Lowes joined Honda rider Nicky Hayden in the push through to join the battle and an eight rider train set off for the line. Sykes lead the group as the Ducatis dueled behind him and Rea, with Flying Dutchman Van Der Mark joining the fight. Sykes, after losing the lead to Rea, then dropped back along with Hayden and the Yamahas of Lowes and Guintoli, leaving the two Aruba.it Ducati riders to tousle with Van Der Mark in the lead group of four, headed by Jonathan Rea.

Rea led the way as the war raged behind him, with the lead group becoming a trio as Davies and Van Der Mark proved the only two able to keep the pace of the reigning Champion. Holding the lead but with two riders breathing down his neck, Rea stayed calm and kept his race rhythm going as those behind continued to play cat and mouse with each other. As the laps ticked down, Davies got closer and started to seriously pressure the Kawasaki rider, seeming to be attempting to test any possible passes he had in mind for the last lap.

On that last lap, Davies pounced down the hill from Lukey Heights, taking the lead just before the final corner, before Rea took the outside line and blasted around the Ducati through the final turn, the two bikes straightening up on the Gardner Straight with almost nothing between them. It was the flash of green that finished first, however, as Rea’s bravery around the outside proved to give him the pace necessary to nudge the nose of the Kawasaki over the line in front, separated by only 0.063 seconds.

Van Der Mark came home third behind the two of them, recording his fourth career podium in only his second season,and local hero Josh Brookes made up for a difficult qualifying session to come home tenth. 2014 WorldSBK Champion Sylvain Guintoli was the first Yamaha home in sixth, showing great potential for the YZF R1 in its first WorldSBK outing, and Leon Camier carried through his form from practice to end the race seventh on his MV Agusta. Jordi Torres on his Althea BMW in eighth ensured there were six manufacturers classified in the top ten.

The lights go out for Race 2 tomorrow, allowing riders and teams to sleep on the results of an incredible Race 1. Will the pack shuffle overnight or will the battle with Rea rage once again?

Yamaha Finance Australian Round – Race 1

1 – Jonathan Rea (GBR) Kawasaki

2 – Chaz Davies (GBR) Ducati +0.063

3 – Michael Van Der Mark (NED) Honda +0.487

More, from a press release issued by Kawasaki:

Rea And New Ninja ZX-10R Win First Race Of 2016

Official KRT riders Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes took turns to lead the thrilling 22-lap Saturday race in the FIM Superbike World Championship on their all-new Ninja ZX-10R machines but it was 2015 champion Rea who emerged with the race victory, as Sykes finished an eventual fifth.

With the two KRT WorldSBK riders starting from the front row after Sykes had qualified on pole and Rea had been third fastest after Superpole 2, the prospects were good from the start, in the first race at this level for the new model ZX-10R.

Rea and Sykes did the early running up front, with Rea then Sykes and then Rea again leading every one of the 22 laps. With up to nine riders forming one leading group and podium challengers all around right to the end the pressure was intense throughout, with Rea finally winning by resisting the late challenge of Ducati rider Chaz Davies.

‘JR’ was passed for a short time after Davies had went inside at the MG hairpin. Jonathan chose the best exit line to ensure Davies could not stay in front at the exit of the corner and won by 0.063 seconds. This was his 30th career win in this category.

Sykes, who had taken his 31st Superpole success earlier in the day rode his new Ninja ZX-10R in the lead from lap three to lap six but had to drop back as he lost ground in two key areas of the circuit. He rallied to finish fifth and score valuable championship points.

The second race of the weekend will take place at 3pm local time in Australia on Sunday 28th.

Jonathan Rea stated: “We expected to be strong because I am so lucky with Pere and my guys. I put all my trust in them, we made a strategy for the winter tests in November and it is clear that it worked. To be strong in the race, to control the race from the front at this track, is so difficult. I had a look every lap on the big screen at MG and I could see the size of the group at the front. It eventually dropped to four guys and in the end three. I put my head down with six laps to go and upped the pace but it was still ‘+0’ on my pit board. Then with three to go I made another push and Chaz was still there. I knew the only way to win the race was to close the door at MG, but he blew it completely wide open! I managed to stop the bike and fire it out. It was not a very pretty last sector but we won the race and have 25 points. I am really happy because all our work paid off.”

Tom Sykes stated: “I think no-one wanted to lead but Jonathan and I had good pace initially but unfortunately I lost a little bit of track position to some other riders. That disturbed my rhythm a bit but we had good pace in the middle and at three quarters distance. Really, it was just on two corners on the track where we struggled and I was able to take an advantage in many areas but I lost it all in two vital areas of the racetrack. I had to ride around this but on the plus side the gap to the front was smaller than we have had in the past here and we are improving the feeling all the time. I am not downbeat and it is a long season. Now we have another race tomorrow.”

Behind the official KRT duo Roman Ramos (GO Eleven Kawasaki) slotted in 11th place and Sylvain Barrier (Pedercini Racing Kawasaki) took the final point on offer for 15th. Grillini Kawasaki rider Dominic Schmitter was 16th and Pedercini Racing Kawasaki rider Saeed Al Sulaiti was 17th in his first ever WorldSBK contest.

More, from a press release issued by Honda World Superbike Team:

van der Mark begins 2016 season with superb podium finish in Australia

The Honda WorldSBK Team successfully started its 2016 World Superbike campaign today with a podium finish scored by Michael van der Mark, who crossed the line in third place at the end of a breath-taking, 22-lap opening race of the season at Phillip Island. Nicky Hayden finished today’s encounter – his first as full-time WorldSBK rider – in ninth position, after experiencing some front grip issues as the race reached its halfway point.

Both riders had a good launch from second and third row on the grid, respectively and rode within the top 5 in the opening laps. Van der Mark did not shy away from battle as he swapped positions several times with factory Ducati riders Chaz Davies and Davide Giugliano. He ran as high as second and, as the race came down to the wire, he successfully defended third place from a recovering Giugliano.

Hayden spent the first part of the race learning his way around his new opponents and felt very comfortable aboard the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP. He made up some positions as the laps went by and set his sights on his teammate, before being forced to slow his pace down due to grip issues at the front of his bike. He eventually ended up ninth, collecting seven points and a lot of data ahead of this weekend’s second race, scheduled for tomorrow at 15:00 local time.

Michael van der Mark 60

3rd

I’m really happy with this podium! This morning we were consistently fast and I felt great on the bike. I had a really good start to the race, managed to stay with the guys and keep their pace quite easily. I was basically trying to save the rear tyre. It was such a nice fight with the (Ducati) guys and a really great race. I was quicker in some corners but they were better in other and this meant there were a lot of overtakes. At the end I wanted to push more but the grip at the front was just not quite there, not as much as I would have loved at least. I struggled a little bit but did my best to stay with Johnny and Chaz, while the gap with fourth position stayed the same and so I was able to bring home this podium finish. For tomorrow we need to improve just a little bit more and then we’ll see how it goes.

Nicky Hayden 69

9th

Superpole wasn’t too bad, we did a decent lap-time and I was hoping I could at least get a spot on the second row. I got a great start to the race and tried to stay smooth, in order to understand everything around me – where I was fast, where I wasn’t and how my opponents were riding. Unfortunately, at halfway through the race I started to lose grip at the front and from then on all I could do was just trying to stay on the bike and finish the race. We need if it was the tyre, the settings or my riding style. It was frustrating because at the beginning of the race I was feeling good and having fun. Congratulations to Michael and the team, he did a great race. Hopefully we can improve tomorrow morning and do a more consistent race.

Pieter Breddels

Technical Manager

After just two short sessions, we had our first race of the season and it felt quite strange because of the new schedule. The guys did a good Superpole, then had a great start of the race. Michael fought hard for the podium for basically all 22 laps, especially with the two Ducatis. He was in the four-way pack that battled for the win until the closing stages; he hung in there and was just four tenths away from second place at the line. We’re very happy with third place and we’ll try to improve some more, with the goal to challenge for the win until the very end. Nicky also had a great start to the race and was making his way up, he definitely looked comfortable on the bike. Unfortunately, with ten laps to go his front-tyre grip started to drop. He was forced to give up several positions and crossed the line in ninth place, which is a bit disappointing especially for him, as he felt very good in the first half. We need to take a look at the data, see what happened and eventually make some changes to the set up for tomorrow.

More, from a press release issued by Aruba.it Ducati Racing:

Second place for the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team in Race 1 in Phillip Island with Chaz Davies, while Davide Giugliano misses the podium by only six tenths of a second

The World Superbike Championship kicked off the 2016 season in a spectacular fashion in Phillip Island. After a hard-fought Superpole, with Davide Giugliano and Chaz Davies in second (+0.078) and ninth (+0.697) position respectively, Race 1 was decided only in the final meters.

Thanks to a scorching start, Davies quickly recovered the gap and reconnected with his teammate Giugliano at the front. The two Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team riders then engaged in a tough yet fair battle with Jonathan Rea and Michael Vd Mark, consistently lapping in the high 1:31 mark and progressively pulling away from the group. After a brief, non-belligerent phase at half race distance, the four forced the pace further with five laps to go, with Davies right behind Rea and Giugliano quickly in tow, trying to recover the few tenths he lost due to a small mistake in turn 4.

During the last lap, Davies tried the definitive move on Rea with three corners to go, provisionally taking the lead but eventually being re-passed in the following direction change. The Welshman missed the victory by only 63 thousandths of a second. Giugliano, on the other hand, showed his characteristic grit but also an improved consistency, posting the best lap-time of the race in the final lap with a 1:31.445 and finishing in fourth position, less than two tenths of a second from the podium.

Race 2 is scheduled for 15 local time (5 a.m. CET) tomorrow.

Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) – 2nd

“It was a fun battle, with many hard but fair moves. I planned to pass Rea in turn 10, but he widened his line just a bit and I was forced to get into the corner a bit too tight. I was already on the limit with the front tyre and I had to release the brakes for a moment, so he passed me again. Still, I’m very happy. Compared with last year, we’ve made big improvements with the electronics and I was much more comfortable towards the end of the race. The battle with Rea could have gone either way, and now I’ll think of a new strategy with the team. The goal is to go one better tomorrow.”

Davide Giugliano (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) – 4th

“It’s been an awesome race, both for us and the fans. This track was associated with bad memories for me, given that I had a bad injury here during the pre-season tests one year ago. Today, I barely missed pole position and fought for the podium until the very end. I’m satisfied, as it was my first race since my back injury seventh months ago. The podium was within our reach, but unfortunately I made a small mistake in turn 4 with a few laps to go and lost contact with the front. Together with the team, I worked hard to find a setup that allows me to be consistent for the whole race distance, and to do the fastest lap at the end represents a positive confirmation. We’ve made a big step forward, and we need to keep working in this direction to be even more competitive tomorrow.”

Stefano Cecconi, Aruba S.p.A. CEO and Team Principal

“We missed both Superpole and the victory in Race One by only a few thousandths of a second. It was undoubtedly a positive start to our season, with a thrilling battle that made us hold our breath until the checkered flag and confirmed both the level of the team and the quality of the work done during the winter break. But, we won’t settle and will aim even higher tomorrow.”

More, from a press release issued by Pata Yamaha:

Pata Yamaha’s Guintoli takes Sixth in WorldSBK Season Opener

Race

An exciting and closely-fought first MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship race of the season at the Australian Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit saw Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK rider Sylvain Guintoli cross the line in sixth place, as he narrowly missed out in the determined fight for fifth with a photo-finish at the chequered flag. Alex Lowes was running an equally strong race, matching his teammate in pace and position, before a turn two crash put paid to his debut on the YZF-R1.

A new schedule for the WorldSBK Championship saw Guintoli and Lowes arrive at Phillip Island for their opening race day of 2016 without knowing where they would be starting the contest. The morning began with 15 minutes of free practice, allowing the riders to warm up their Yamaha YZF-R1s, before the important action of Superpole qualifying took to the 4,445m Australian circuit. His 11th place classification from Friday’s track-time saw Lowes take his place in Superpole 1, easily securing his promotion to Superpole 2 with a spectacular 1’30.9 lap set on race rubber in the early stages of the 15 minute session. Joined by his teammate Guintoli for Superpole 2, both Pata Yamaha riders set about the task of competing in the top-12 shootout and with five minutes gone, they sat in second and third positions with times matching those of their previous, weekend’s best. As the field returned to the track on qualifying tyres the times began to tumble, a 1’30.281 and 1’30.354 respectively granting the French and British rider fourth and fifth on the grid.

Heading up the second row for the debut race of 2016, the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team started the 22-lap battle strongly with Lowes firmly in the front group for the initial laps. Mid-race saw both Yamaha riders prevented from utilising their pace as effectively as they would have liked. Taking the opportunity to pass one rider with eight laps to go, first Guintoli then Lowes looked to exploit the free air but unfortunately for the latter it was short lived – an issue at turn two resulting in a trip through the gravel.

Guintoli’s sixth place finish leaves the 33-year-old with 10 Championship points and sitting sixth in the table heading into the second day of competition, with Lowes looking to secure a strong points-scoring finish from Sunday’s race.

Sylvain Guintoli

“Sixth is a steady start to my 2016 WorldSBK campaign on the YZF-R1 but to be honest it was quite a frustrating race for me. I had a lot more pace that I was able to show, as I was blocked by slower riders for much of the opening laps. Despite that, it is a solid result to build on and we will keep working to improve overnight for tomorrow’s race. There are definite positives to take from the first race, the YZF-R1 holds the tyre life well round here so just a few changes to advance the performance and we will see what we can achieve on Sunday.”

Alex Lowes

“I’m disappointed to start the season with a crash at Phillip Island. I was feeling comfortable on the YZF-R1 after the work spent in practice here over the past week and a strong qualifying. We have made some good progress already and will continue to work step-by-step tonight but I’m looking forward to a stronger finish and a second chance at some good points in the race tomorrow afternoon.”

Paul Denning ? Team Principal

“So the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK project has started! Following a very strong qualifying performance by both riders, we were perhaps ‘hoping’ for more from today’s race but we also have to be realistic in terms of the development process and our competitors’ level. For Sylvain to finish sixth was frustrating for him, but this was only 3.5 seconds from the winner, and the YZF-R1’s strong points – and those that must be improved at WorldSBK level – are becoming increasingly clear. So not a bad start!

“Alex’s late exit from the race was unfortunate but again we have to take the positives. He made a huge step forward today, improved his style to suit the bike considerably and had a great pace. We will make some changes for the race tomorrow that are sure to help.”

More, from a press release issued by Althea BMW Racing:

Torres 8th at Phillip Island; Reiterberger struck by bad luck in his WSBK debut

Phillip Island (Australia) Saturday 27 February 2016

The long Saturday at Phillip Island, with Superpoles 1 and 2 and Race 1, began with a brief free practice during the morning, which allowed the two Althea BMW Racing Team riders to regain confidence with their BMW S 1000 RR bikes and optimise set-up ahead of the two Superpoles.

Jordi Torres, not yet completely healed after his crash in Tuesday’s test, took part in Superpole 1, during which he completed nine hard laps with a best time of 1’31.758 (0.782 from first). His lap time placed him second overall, allowing him to proceed to Superpole 2 where he joined his teammate Markus Reiterberger. Once again, the Spaniard was able to record the overall top speed (311 km/h).

In Superpole 2, Torres pushed to obtain a position at the front of the grid but, despite clear improvement, he achieved a twelfth place start for the races.

Young rider Markus Reiterberger, taking part in his first ever World Superbike Superpole, continued his ‘training’ in what is a brand new category for him. His best time of 1’31.031 placed him eleventh on the grid for Race 1, right alongside his teammate.

RACE 1 (22 laps, 97.790 Km)

The sun was shining for this opening race of the season, with fans at the Australian track enjoying an air temperature of 22°C (track temperature 36°C).

This was a first opportunity to participate in the new formula devised by the championship Organiser for the 2016 season, with two Superpoles and Race 1 taking place on Saturday. 23 riders from 13 countries and riding for 7 different manufacturers took to the grid, once again confirming that WorldSBK is a championship that embraces the whole world.

Markus Reiterberger got off the line well, maintaining tenth place, while Jordi Torres was lapping in sixteenth on lap one.

As the laps went one, the Spaniard played catch up, recording times in line with those of the leading group, but having to make a series of frenetic passes prevented him from being able to reach the top five. His race pace meant that he crossed the line in a worthy eighth place. The 21-year old German on the other hand (the youngest rider in the championship), was passed on lap eight by Camier and, on lap ten, by Torres too. “Reiti” did not give up and kept on the tail of both his teammate and Camier.

At this point of the race, the trio (Torres, Camier and Reiterberger) enjoyed a good battle and were able to pass first Italian Savadori and then MotoGP legend Nicky Hayden on the final lap. Bad luck struck just metres from the finish line however, at Turn 12, where Reiterberger crashed, unable to finish the race and losing the opportunity to achieve his first top ten finish of the season.

Overall, the two Althea BMW Racing Team riders have scored a solid result, gaining both experience and, in the garage, useful data ahead of Race 2, to take place tomorrow.

Jordi Torres

“This race was my first chance to complete a long series of consecutive laps. I was able to modify my riding style and think I succeeded, even though I’m still lacking confidence on corner entry because I can feel the bike moving which bothers me, especially mid-corner when I want to let it run and get on the gas. I’m still not able to lean to the max. I think I need more riding time and will continue to listen to what my BMW S 1000 RR is telling me. Despite a bad start, the race went well in the end. I had a good battle with Leon Camier and also with my team-mate Markus, who was very strong today – I’m sorry he crashed.”

Markus Reiterberger

“It’s always been my dream to race here, ever since I was a child, and just before the light went off I was feeling really happy and proud. The race wasn’t bad and my start was ok. I was in a central position in the middle of quite a group of riders but I didn’t lose any positions. I battled hard with Camier and Torres and we were fast right to the end. Then on the final lap I passed Nicky Hayden, who was lying ninth, but I had a big crash at the last corner. Unfortunately, we’re starting the championship with zero points, in a classification that could have seen me place ninth. I’m unhurt, but I hope to be luckier in race 2 tomorrow and would like to finish in the top ten.”

Genesio Bevilacqua

“Overall I’m pleased with this first race in which Torres achieved a positive eighth place finish and only bad luck on the very last lap prevented Reiterberger from closing inside the top ten.

“I expected a first race at this level, as every component of the team is working to collate as much data and information as possible in order to render our

“BMW S 1000 RR bikes more competitive and suited to our riders’ respective styles. I think we’re on the right track and tomorrow’s race will confirm whether we’re heading in the right direction. The level of WSBK seems significantly higher than that of 2015, making this a thrilling championship that is full of uncertainty. For this reason, we must be ready for the challenges that each weekend will present. For now I say “bravo” to Jordi and to Markus.”

More, from a press release issued by MV Agusta:

CAMIER IN 7° PLACE AT PHILLIP ISLAND RACE 1 

27 FEBRUARY 2016

Thanks to a powerful remount along the 4.445 km of Phillip Island circuit, Leon Camier and Team MV Agusta Reparto Corse got the 7° place at the very first round of the 2016 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship.

After entering the Top 10 in Superpole 2 with a 1’30.795 best lap – less than 0.8 second from the poleman Tom Sykes – Camier suffered a very bad start in Race 1 that pushed him away at the end of the group, in 17° place. From here on, the British rider has pushed very hard with his MV Agusta F4 RC machine, starting a furious remount that allowed him to recover ten positions and finishing the race in 7° place overall.

Today Leon Camier and MV Agusta Reparto Corse got their first 9 points in championship standing and both will be back on track tomorrow for the final race of the WorldSBK Australian Round.

Leon Camier #2 – I am really grateful for the effort everyone has done for the first race. The bike was working really good, the chassis and the electronic worked very good as well. We just lack some power and we need to work on this for sure. Start was really bad. Sooner I got into the rhythm, I got a good pace and we moved from 17° to 7° position. It was a hard battle, with many riders on the way making really good passes. I am happy with the job we did here, hopefully we will be stronger tomorrow for race 2.

More, from a press release issued by Pirelli:

Excellent Debut in Motul FIM World Superbike Championship for Pirelli’s New Rear Tire as Kawasaki’s Tom Sykes Takes Pole Position and Jonathon Rea the Victory in Race 1

New Rear U0794 Development Solution Improves Riders’ Times by More Than Half a Second Per Lap and Helps Davide Giugliano Post Fastest Time on Final Lap

PHILLIP ISLAND (Australia) February 27, 2016 – The opening round of the Motul FIM World Superbike Championship kicked off in Phillip Island and reigning World Champion Jonathon Rea claimed the victory in Race 1. Rea started just behind his Kawasaki teammate Tom Sykes, who started the race with the pole position after topping qualifying, and Ducati rider Davide Giugliano.

Pirelli provided riders with two front and three rear tire solution options, but the new U0794 was the undisputed choice of the day for a majority of the field. The tire features a medium compound solution and allows an improvement in race time of up to half a second per lap when compared to last year’s best time. It demonstrates the commitment Pirelli has taken to develop solutions for navigating the tricky circuit. Many of the racers recorded their fastest laps in the race finale, which included Davide Giugliano posting the best time on the final lap with a 1:31.445.

The opening day witnessed riders in both Superbike and Supersport, taking the track for a 15-minute free practice session in the morning, followed by two Superpole sessions for each category and Superbike Race 1 taking place a 3 p.m. local time. Tomorrow morning the warm-up sessions will begin the day, followed shortly after by the Supersport race at 1:30 p.m. local and Superbike Race 2 at 3pm.

Superbike – Race 1:

1) Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team)

2) Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)

3) Michael VD Mark (Honda World Superbike Team)

4) Davide Giugliano (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)

5) Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team)

6) Sylvain Guintoli (Pata Yamaha Official WSBK Team)

7) Leon Camier (MV Agusta Reparto Corse)

8) Jordi Torres (Althea BMW Racing Team)

9) Nicky Hayden (Honda World Superbike Team)

10) Joshua Brookes (Milwaukee BMW)

2016_race1_start.jpg

The Pirelli solutions chosen by the riders for Race 1:

Race 1 marked the debut for the new U0794 development solution, which was used for the first time during Friday’s two timed free practice sessions after not being available for Monday and Tuesday’s test sessions. Despite limited practice time, most of the riders immediately expressed their appreciation for this solution, ultimately watching 18 out of 23 riders on the grid choose to use it. The consistent performance was one of the tires most popular characteristics presented, such as allowing Ducati rider Davide Giugliano to put in the fastest lap of the race at the very end. The rest of the racers opted to run the solution used in 2015, the T1105.

On the front, the most popular race solution was the S1699 SC1 development tire, used by 16 different riders. Jonathon Rea, Tom Sykes, and Sylvain Guintoli were among the riders who chose the standard SC2 solution.

Pirelli statistics for Race 1:

Winner of the PIRELLI BEST LAP AWARD: Davide Giugliano 1:31.445 on the 22nd and final lap

Most popular front solution: S1699 SC1 development (16 out of 23 riders)

Most popular rear solution: U0794 SC1 development (18 out of 23 riders)

Maximum race speed reached by Pirelli DIABLO™ Superbike tires: 315.8 km/h, achieved by Michael VD Mark (Honda World Superbike Team) on the ninth lap

Number of solutions (dry, intermediate and wet) for the Superbike class: 4 front and 6 rear

Number of tires available for each Superbike rider: 62, including 29 front and 33 rear

Air temperature: 22° C

Asphalt temperature: 36° C