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Lowes remains on top as official testing In Phillip Island draws to a close

Tuesday, 17 February 2015 04:56 GMT

Lap record beaten in official testing

 

The second day of testing ahead of Sunday first two WorldSBK races of the 2015 saw Alex Lowes (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki) better his own time from yesterday, ending the day in top spot, 0.070s under last year’s race lap record.

This morning’s first test ended with some impressive performances from a number of superbike rookies, especially Spanish riders Jordi Torres (Aprilia Racing Team – Red Devils) who finished 2nd and Nico Terol (Althea Racing Ducati) who was 8th.

After 8 hours of on-track action and as testing concluded over 2000 laps had been completed by the 25 entered riders across both days.

Behind Lowes, Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) and Jordi Torres completed the top 3, the trio covered by only 0.112s.

With Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team), Leon Haslam (Aprilia Racing Team – Red Devils) and Chaz Davies (Aruba Ducati SBK) completing the top six on combined times, and with 7 manufacturers in the top 12, the scene is set for the opening race of WorldSBK 2015.

Davide Giugliano (Aruba Ducati SBK) was not in action on day two, while Randy de Puniet (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki) made an appearance this afternoon, both riders suffered crashes yesterday.

Former World Champion Tom Sykes suffered a crash as the test entered its final hour but was able to rejoin the action as did reigning champion Sylvain Guintoli who tumbled while on a personal improving lap in the final 8 minutes. Sylvain Barrier (BMW Motorrad Italia) suffered a high speed crash entering the Gardner Straight but was able to walk away from the incident, unlike 12 months ago when he suffered a similar crash at the same corner. Leandro Mercado (Barni Racing) joined the list of fallers, the Argentine rider’s condition will be reviewed on Thursday.

The on-track action is set to resume on Friday with the opening Free Practice sessions which will officially start the 2015 WorldSBK season.

Morning session results - pdf

Afternoon session results (and combined times) - pdf