World Superbike Test
The Pedercini Kawasaki Team wrapped up a successful final day of World Superbike testing at Phillip Island on Tuesday.
All three Superbike riders, Roberto Rolfo, Mark Aitchison and Bryan Staring, spent the second day of testing working on the electronic and chassis settings of their Kawasaki ZX-10R bikes so as to be ready for the first round of the Superbike World Championship that will take place over the weekend of Feb. 25-27 on the same track.
Day two saw an improvement in the performance of all three World Superbike Kawasaki riders as lap times began to drop.
Aitchison worked to bring the settings in line with his riding style as, having come to SBK from Supersport, he must now get to grip with a totally new machine. Mark was the victim of a small crash just before the end of the last session, but was fortunately unhurt.
Roberto Rolfo and Bryan Staring performed well and were consistently fast during this second day of Superbike testing, riding significantly faster than they did during yesterday’s test sessions. For the Italian team these two test days were the first real opportunity to work on the set up of their new bikes, in preparation for race day.
The Pedercini team World Superbike riders and technicians alike can now enjoy two days of relaxation before returning to the track on Friday for the inaugural round of the 2011 racing season.
Roberto Rolfo (Pedercini Kawasaki WSBK) says: "I’m thoroughly satisfied with the results of these last two days of testing. Today I was also able to complete a long run and I established a good pace. In any case, the most important aspect of the two-day test session is that I realized that we have the base and potential to obtain good results.
"The team has been great with me and we’re working really well together. They listen to all of my suggestions and we have improved the set up of the superbike. Of course we still have a lot to do, especially through the chicanes where I’m still having some difficulties. I need to rest up over the next two days to be ready for the first race of the season."
Mark Aitchison (Pedercini Kawasaki WSBK) says: "The second day of testing for me was very positive. I have experimented a lot with some different settings for the balance of the bike. I found some areas that we must focus to improve on. I really enjoyed riding the bike today as this was my first real experience of a superbike.
"Every time I entered into the circuit I improved my riding style to better suit the bike. This is very important for the season ahead. Of course we have now a lot of areas to improve with the overall bike set up and with my riding style, but I think the two days here at Phillip Island have taught us a lot. I enjoy working with my team at this point and I look forward to racing this weekend."
Bryan Staring (Pedercini Kawasaki WSBK) says: "Another good day of testing and I feel we made solid progress. My feeling with the bike is getting better and better though there’s still work to be done, also because everything is new for me this season, bike as well as team. Today we found some good solutions and I was able to improve my lap times.
"Now I’m eager to start the official sessions on Friday and will try my best to obtain a good result for my team and for my sponsors."
Phillip Island World Superbike test – Result Monday/Tuesday
1) Checa (Ducati) – 2) Guintoli (Ducati) – 3) Rea (Honda) – 4) Smrz (Ducati) – 5) Lascorz (Kawasaki) – 6) Biaggi (Suzuki) ……. 18) Staring (Kawasaki) 1’33"398 ……… 21) Rolfo (Kawasaki) 11’33"485 ….. 23) Aitchison (Kawasaki) 1’33"721