Although the query of the race weekend format is however to be settled, there can be no argument more than the massive upgrade for the series presentation.
Slick new graphics, much far better camera operate, better path, far more onboard cameras, the new Tv coverage has lot to commend it, and is a sign that Dorna is taking the series seriously.
The upgrades were badly required, graphics and Television direction felt staid and old-fashioned in current years. The new look produced WSBK really feel like a contemporary series, and added some sparkle.
A new commentary group helped matters along. Steve English supplied great in-depth understanding and evaluation as a counterpoint to Greg Haines’ excited play-by-play coverage. It added some a lot-required depth to the world feed, creating it a considerably a lot more balanced affair.
Perhaps I could be accused of bias – I am honored to count Steve as a buddy, and we function collectively on the Paddock Pass Podcast – but on the other hand, as his pal, I was considerably more worried he would would not do properly. He passed his initial test with flying colors.
King of the Hill
As for the racing? That has by no means actually been a difficulty for Planet Superbikes. The two WSBK races turned into the usual multi-rider battles, tense and exciting from start to finish.
In spite of the excitement, there was an air of inevitability to the winner, Jonathan Rea seeking totally in handle throughout. Rea was happy to let other folks lead, then pounce in the final laps.
There was nearly a Rossi-esque feel to his racing: sitting behind his rivals to place some pressure on them, safe in the understanding that he could win when push came to shove.
Rea’s insinuations at the team launch, that the new Kawasaki ZX-10R had been constructed around Tom Sykes rather than him, turned out to be nothing at all far more than mind games.
Sykes rode the very same race as ever: pushing challenging early, but losing pace in the second half of the race, and losing out to his teammate. It is a little early to be calling the championship for Jonathan Rea, but it is clear he is the man to beat. He will now be the bookies hot preferred to repeat.
Desperate Davies
Behind Rea, the Ducatis looked very strong, Chaz Davies attempting two desperate lunges, a single in every race, in an attempt to deprive Rea of victory.
In race 1, Davies took the classic Phillip Island line, round the outdoors at Lukey Heights to dive inside at MG, but Rea parried simply, taking the far better line by way of MG and utilizing the drive of the Kawasaki to repass Davies at the next corner.
In race two, Davies tried at Honda corner, but he tried just a tiny as well challenging, losing the front of the Panigale R and sliding gently out. He remounted to take tenth, but it was clear just how challenging Davies was attempting from the begin.
Jonathan Rea seemed less than impressed with Davies’ attempted pass. The Tv coverage showed the podium riders all taking as they waited to go out and receive their trophies, and the hand signals seemed to indicate Michael van der Mark, Davide Giugliano and Rea all discussing Davies’ crash.
Rea’s use of a finger to the side of the head was not a sign of wonderful appreciation, I venture.
Aruba.it Ducati teammate Davide Giugliano had two really strong races, with a fourth on Saturday and a third on Sunday. Although the Italian nonetheless place in a handful of slightly questionable moves, he rode much more cleanly and precisely than usual.
The significant crashes from last year may possibly have been big enough to curb the excesses of Giugliano’s style, something which was truly needed. Dialing it back from 101% to 99% is the difference among winning or binning and regular podiums. The Italian may possibly have discovered a way to be in the latter camp at final.
Hope for Honda
The Hondas, as well, had been impressive. I spoke to group boss Ronald ten Kate lately, and he said they have been significantly much better prepared at the start of the 2016 season than they had been at the start of 2015. They have been carrying off where they left off, and Michael van der Mark’s double podium was a sure measure of their success.
The young Dutchman rode two amazing races, his sheer commitment a joy to behold. The extra corner speed he was possessing to carry to remain at the front was clearly visible, his sweeping lines a lot wider than the rest.
Phillip Island is a track Van der Mark loves, and his affection was reciprocated with a double podium. It bodes really nicely certainly for the races at Assen in early April.
Nicky Hayden’s debut in World Superbikes was solid, the American just deprived of a podium by Davide Giugliano in Race 2. Hayden is adapting quickly to the WSBK paddock, but nonetheless has some operate to do.
Some of the operate is receiving used to the Pirelli tires, Hayden suffering badly in Race 1, and losing a lot of locations in the final third of the race. It is a typical problem with the WSBK Pirellis, spotty high quality manage can mean that tire life and behavior can differ drastically.
Like Van der Mark, Hayden have to be optimistic about his property race. The American is at least back in sight of the winner once more, after a long period in the wilderness aboard the Open class Hondas.
Yamaha and BMW Show Guarantee
The return of Yamaha to Globe Superbike can be deemed a success, both Sylvain Guintoli and Alex Lowes showing extremely robust pace, and finishing within a few seconds of the winner.
The Yamaha YZF-R1 still has some improvement to do, but it looked like a sturdy all-round package. A win must certainly be on the cards quickly.
Of the two riders, Guintoli looked like he played a much better hand. Lowes seemed to struggle a small, attempting to adapt his riding style to the bike, and occasionally getting it incorrect.
Guintoli, meanwhile, was steady, taking what he could get with no taking too a lot of dangers. Paul Denning and the Crescent group have to have cause for optimism.
BMW’s renewed efforts in WSBK also went properly, with a couple of robust debut performances. Josh Brookes’ switch to WSBK with the Milwaukee SMR team went well, the reigning BSB champion grabbing a pair of prime ten slots.
The BMW S1000RR nevertheless needs a lot of function on the electronics, but Brookes rode a couple of decent races to make his WSBK debut.
Fellow rookie, the German rider Markus Reiterberger, also created a actually powerful debut. The IDM champion was operating in strong positions in both races, a blown tire causing him to crash out in the final corner of the final lap of race 1, and grabbing eighth in race 2.
Reiterberger wasn’t the only rookie to make a great 1st impression. The Italian Lorenzo Savadori, fresh from Superstock 1000, had a couple of solid races with the IODA Racing team.
IODA, who have switched from MotoGP this year, have been the weakest team in the premier class, so much of Savadori’s performance need to go to him, rather than the group. Just how considerably help IODA will get from Aprilia remains to be seen, nevertheless.
So far, the Noale factory has put all of its money, time and effort into its MotoGP program, leaving WSBK as the redheaded stepchild.
Leon Camier had an outstanding seventh place finish in Race 1 on the MV Agusta, the bike nonetheless underpowered and in want of development. Camier is a rider who is typically overlooked, and he finds himself fighting an uphill battle after once again in 2016.
Just how considerably work MV Agusta is willing to place into its Planet Superbike campaign is a question mark, but Camier has provided them cause to consider upping their investment.
The Strange Case of Phillip Island
Of course, the trouble with Phillip Island is that it is such a unique track. The layout of the circuit rewards bravery and commitment, and hides bike weakness.
The Chang circuit in Thailand is a touch a lot more standard, and need to give us a much better point of view on the balance of energy in WSBK. Drawing conclusions from Phillip Island is constantly challenging, but there is one truth which is indisputable.
Reigning world champion Jonathan Rea remains World Superbikes’ apex predator, and is displaying no indicators of relinquishing his spot at the leading of the food chain. But at least there are other folks willing to challenge him.
Photo: © 2016 Anant Deboor – All Rights Reserved
This report was initially published on MotoMatters, and is republished right here on Asphalt & Rubber with permission by the author.
Phillip Island WSBK Notes: World Superbike Turns a Corner
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