The 2010 Australian Superbike Championship year roared into life at Phillip Island yesterday with day one of the official Australian Superbike Teams Test. A fresh new year was met with exciting new sounds, as the European brands unleashed their new machines on the Phillip Island circuit.

On hand for the test was the championship winning Factory Suzuki squad, plus all new teams from KTM, Ducati, Aprilia and Triumph. Privateer Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Suzuki also turned out to take a few laps.

“It’s fantastic to see such a wide range of bikes and manufactures,” said Ben Williams, ASBK Events Manager. “From the factory set ups to very professional privateer teams, we have a massive range of Japanese and European brands here today. It’s a true representation of the sports bike market here in Australia and a very exiting development for ASBK in 2010.”

A pinnacle focus of the test was the teams’ first runs on the all-new Dunlop control tires. The Dunlop D211GP RACER for Superbikes & Superstock A&B, and the Dunlop SPORTMAX GP-A for Supersport & Superstock C&D. Both tires proved to be quickly up to pace in early testing with lap times of 1.35.3 and 1.39.4 respectively.

On hand for the test was Dunlop’s National Motorsport & Motorcycle Coordinator, Stewart Corser, to provide support to the teams.
“At this early stage we are very happy with the lap times and durability. We are getting great rider feedback already, and with more laps and bike development we are quickly seeing times fall. This tire has shown great wear rates even up to 50 laps on the front and 40 on the rear. We are very proud to be the Official Tire Supplier for ASBK 2010 and even more importantly to be able to do so with an affordable range of high performance racing tires.”

Shannon Johnson opens it up on the new KTM 1190 RC8R

A stand-out feature of the test was the awesome sound and impressive looks of the all new KTM machine ridden by Shannon Johnson and Chris Trounson. The 2010 KTM 1190 RC8R has now been in the hands of the KTM team for only four weeks and is already quickly on the pace. Its imposing body shape and unmistakable engine sound will no doubt be a stand out on the track in 2010.

“I’m very excited that the team and I have been able to find a successful setting so quickly in this first official test day on the KTM 1190 RC8R,” said Shannon Johnson, KTM Factory Superbike Rider.” We are concentrating on getting to know the new Dunlop control tire which I must say is surprising good. Based on this early set up performance we are happy to see our times are very close to the quickest times here at the ABSK test. We still have a lot of work ahead but with my fantastic crew and great support from KTM, I believe from round 1 we will be right on the pace for the championship.”

Unofficial times indicate that Superbikes will again be a hotly contested championship The top-six riders for the session were:

Josh Waters – Suzuki – 1:35.2
Wayne Maxwell – Honda – 1:35.4
Shannon Johnson – KTM – 1:35.4
Glenn Allerton – Honda – 1:35.4
Shawn Giles – Suzuki – 1:36.1
Jamie Stauffer – Ducati – 1:36.4

Day two of testing is shaping up to be another busy day with fine weather on the Island, a number of industry media in attendance and an unexpected test ride for the 2005 Australian Superbike Champion Josh Brookes.