Big steps forward for several riders ahead of Sepang Superpole
We analyse FP4 to see who improved and who could feature in Sunday’s races.
Ahead of Tissot-Superpole at Sepang, we witnessed a number of big gains for several WorldSBK riders. With FP2 disrupted by rain, many used the 30 minute session to further refine their machine set-up, bringing significant improvements for some.
The biggest jump came from the Kawasaki Racing Team of Tom Sykes and Jonathan Rea who moved into 1st and 2nd positions, both improving by over half a second to post their fastest laps of the weekend so far, albeit 0.201s behind Jordi Torres’s FP3 time of 2.04.356s.
KRT had some problems, Rea confirming that electronics put them on the back foot yesterday but that aside the visible difference from both riders was clear for all to see.
Sykes posted his time on his very first flying lap of the session before posting a slower lap ahead of a second lap in the 2.04s. Staying on track for a further 3 laps before returning the box the former champion was unable to get near the time again when he ventured back on track for the final 5 minutes.
His team mate on the other hand looked much more consistent and while it’s true that he too only managed 2 laps in the 2.04s, a string of laps in the 2.05s and 2.06s would suggest that over race pace Rea could have the edge.
Arguably the biggest surprise of the session was reigning World Supersport champion Michael van der Mark who had blue smoke coming from his rear Pirelli tyre as he wrestled his Pata Honda to the 3rd best time in FP4. His time of 2.05.118s was also over half a second faster than he had managed all weekend, the Dutchman saying he was ‘having fun’ during the session. What is interesting that looking at the total laps completed, van der Mark’s pace is on par if not slightly better than the Kawasakis. Could Honda be heading for their best results since Assen?
One other rider/manufacturer combination to keep an eye on aside from the above mentioned riders and of course Aprilia who have all three of their riders in the mix is Alex Lowes on the Voltcom Crescent Suzuki. Lowes was frustrated after falling in FP3 and not being able to show his true pace, something he made up for in FP4 with the 6th best time. He was able to lap consistently in the 2.06s bracket with a 2.05.679s being his best.
In terms of top speed, there is not too much difference between the manufacturers, a statistic that has surprised a few people. The Aprilia RSV4 RF leads the way with Torres recording 306.8 km per hour. Kawasaki’s Jonathan Rea has a top speed of 301.7 km per hour, with the Ducati Panigale of Chaz Davies 300.8 km per hour. Guintoli’s Honda and Lowes Suzuki went through the speed trap at 299.2 and 298.3 km per hour.
Whilst we can review and look at lap times, amounts of laps completed, speeds etc. one thing we can be sure of is that as this exciting WorldSBK season moves into the final part, the competition is as close as ever.
Who will be triumphant on Sunday? Be sure to follow all of the action as it happens on twitter: @WorldSBK
