The first round of the Superbike World Championships will be held on Phillip Island circuit in Australia, from 24th to 26th February 2012. Phillip Island, the self-styled home of the Australian motorsports, is steeped in motor racing with the first car races having been held there on public roads in the 1920s. The circuit is blessed with breathtaking scenery and beautiful ocean views and it continues to provide some of the most spectacular racing in the Superbike seasons. Pedercini Kawasaki team performed two day of test on the Australian circuit, few days before the first world championship races and all the team are happy about the improvements in the set-up of their machines. Bryan Staring (he’ll race in his home circuit replacing injured Leandro Mercado) has found the two day of test of benefit and he look forward to the first races of the 2012 championship. Salom physical condition is not perfect due to a fracture at his right wrist, but he’ll I’ll try his best to obtain a good result. More, from a press release issued by Team Honda Racing: TEAM HONDA RACING READY FOR ACTION AT ROUND 1 WSB 23 February 2012 – A spectacular day at the Phillip Island Circuit today marks the beginning of the season for the Australian Superbikes being held in conjunction with the World Superbike season opener this weekend. As the Honda CBR1000RR’s and the CBR600RR’s are placed in the Team Honda Racing pits, the riders and crew chiefs go over the plan for the weekend, determined to set the tone for the 2012 ASBK season. Round 1 will be the first opportunity for #27 Jamie Stauffer and #47 Wayne Maxwell to put their new model CBR1000RR’s under race conditions and both riders are eager to take to the grid. 2012 also marks Honda’s re-entry into the 600 Supersport category and the new addition to the team, #34 Josh Hook, is looking forward to getting the racing season underway onboard his CBR600RR. If testing is any indication his season will be a strong one. Team Honda Racing launched their 2012 team last week at Docklands and revealed their trademark bright livery to the many team partners and media in attendance. The team is ready to race. Team Principle, Paul Free has every confidence in his riders’ ability to make this one of Honda’s most successful seasons to date saying, “This season, I believe we have the strongest group of people assembled in Team Honda Racing than we have had for many years. Jamie and Wayne have remained with the team and that in itself creates great continuity. This year Wayne continues to work with crew chief, Shaun Clarke and Jamie with Bryan Divilly, with whom he has worked before. The strength in the relationship between the rider and his crew chief is very strong this year. Also, young Josh has the experience of Ben Tompsett to guide him and the team itself is keen to support Josh wherever they can. Technicians Glenn Granger and Dan Williams also continue with the team and always put in 110%. This year, we have the best support a rider could ask for and I know all 3 of these riders are determined to make the most of it. I am looking forward to this weekend immensely to get our season underway.” The Australian Superbikes and Supersport have practice this afternoon and Qualifying for both categories will take place tomorrow with Supersport Q1 at 9:15am and Superbike Q1 at 1:05pm.