Behind the shutters: Preparing for the Pirelli Thai Round!
Take a look at what’s going on behind the scenes and around pit lane this Thursday
It’s Round Two of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship and the sun is belting down over Chang International Circuit. With similar scorching conditions forecast for the entire weekend in Thailand, our photographers have taken refuge inside the team garages, where preparations are already in full swing ahead of Friday’s Free Practice.
Last year Yamaha put two bikes on the podium in Thailand for the first time. Focus is now getting both men on the top step of the podium at Buriram, bringing their journey full circle.
Could Kawasaki be their biggest rivals this weekend? Perhaps – although judging from this picture the men in green seem to be focusing on a certain ‘Reiti’?
These men are certainly aiming to get the German titan up the field.
Thailand can be a tricky track to battle around. Every little advantage counts, so best course of action is to keep everyone – photographers included – in the dark about one’s plans.
Well, maybe some light is needed, particularly when the work that gets done on Thursdays is so meticulous.
Keeping cool is also key to success in Buriram. With six wins in Thailand, Jonathan Rea knows better than anyone that portable fans can be a lifesaver – and he isn’t ashamed to Showa it.
Suppliers are as present in the WorldSBK paddock as teams are, with names such as Brembo, Ohlins or Pirelli keeping a close eye on preparations.
By the end of today everything will be screwed in tight, machines and mechanics ready for a scorching weekend. With all tools put aside off track, it’s up to the riders now to heat up the action on it.
Catch up with Free Practice through live timing, and don’t miss the best moments and reactions from Friday’s action thanks to WorldSBK VideoPass.
