2011 World Superbike Prep
For the second of the three-day Aprilia and Yamaha World Superbike tests at Phillip Island in Australia, Max Biaggi was quickest.
The 2010 World Superbike Champion piloted his RSV-4 motorcycle around Phillip Island to a 1:32.3, beating his first-day best time by by a tenth of a second. The weather played a role in the improved time, considering conditions on Wednesday were much milder than on Tuesday.
The Italian’s top time this Wednesday is now only five-tenths of a second slower than the best race lap time at Phillip Island (1:31.826), posted by BMW Motorrad rider Troy Corser.
During the Wednesday Superbike testing, Biaggi was pleased with the performance of some new Ohlins forks. He also tested out a new swingarm and fuel tank, and these tests all revolved around a new spec-Aprilia motor with a different power delivery than his 2010 Championship-winning machine.
After not having much luck during Day 1 of testing, Biaggi’s teammate Leon Camier’s luck didn’t improve on Day 2. The Brit was involved in an accident at the long left-hander leading onto the pit straight with Yamaha Sterilgarda newcomer Marco Melandri.
Melandri injured a finger, but was not seriously hurt. Camier continued for the day, but then hit a seagull, which created a bruised and swollen arm; after the incident, Camier decided to not participate in the Superbike tests for the rest of Wednesday.
After all was said, Camier was second fastest, followed by the other Yamaha Sterilgarda rider Eugene Laverty and then Melandri.
On Thursday, the World Superbike tests will continue for a third and final day, but the weather forecast is for rain.
Unofficial World Superbike Phillip Island Test Times, Day 2:
1. Biaggi (Aprilia) 1.32.3
2. Camier (Aprilia)1:32.4
3. Laverty (Yamaha) 1.32.5
4. Melandri (Yamaha) 1.32.6.
