Yamaha stocks have also been boosted, with the announcement that the GRT Yamaha satellite team will field recently crowned world supersport champion, Spaniard Sandro Cortese and Italian veteran, Marco Melandri; as well as Michael van der Mark and Alex Lowes in the factory Yamaha team.
 

Ducati and BMW unveiled their new high-revving V4 R and S 1000 RR four-cylinder machines at the EICMA. Although both model launches were open secrets, the numbers disseminated by the companies in terms of outright horsepower and light-weight packages still left many observers in awe.

In Ducati’s case it’s the most powerful motorcycle to ever leave its factory, and the company – which has the most amount of WorldSBK titles with 14 – has already announced that current MotoGP rider Alvaro Bautista will join Chaz Davies in its line-up for 2019.

Bautista finished a superb fourth in the recent MotoGP round at Phillip Island filling in for the injured Jorge Lorenzo, which will give the Spaniard added confidence when he returns to Australia.


BMW also announced in Milan that it will be collaborating with Shaun Muir Racing (which ran the Milwaukee Aprilia squad in 2018) for a major tilt at the 2019 WorldSBK title. The riders will be Rea’s erstwhile Kawasaki teammate and 2013 world champion Tom Sykes, as well as German Marcus Reiterberger who is returning to the championship after a two-year break.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport will be responsible for the development of engine, electronics, chassis and aerodynamics on the new S 1000 RR.

All three-day pass-holders get FREE Paddock Access.   For just $120* your General Admission ticket is automatically upgraded for the Paddock party, the meet ‘n greets with riders, the autograph shows and the post-race excitement of Parc Fermé.

 

With world supers, we bring you as close to the engine-room and the riders as possible with Parc Fermé now happening right in the heart of the Paddock surrounded by all-day entertainment from centre-stage.  Check it out here.

A three-day adult pass is just $120* and delivers a jam-packed agenda of three world superbike races, one world supersport race, plenty of action from the premier Australian classes plus full paddock access.   Kids 15 and under are free^, and camping on-circuit makes a long weekend away on the island totally affordable.


 

Australian legend, Troy Bayliss, has confirmed he will contest the 2019 Australian Superbike Championship and will launch his season on board his DesmoSport Ducati at Feb 22-24’s World Superbike Championships.

The three-time Superbike World Champ returned to racing this year after nine years in retirement, and at 49 years of age managed to win two races on his way to third in the 2018 Australian Superbike Championships (ASBK), just three points behind Wayne Maxwell in second.

Speaking to speedcafe.com Bayliss confirmed the team will eventually campaign the new Panigale V4 R.

“It depends whether that arrives for the first race or not; it’s a timeframe thing,” said Bayliss.

“I’m really looking forward to riding the new bike and even if we miss the first race, possibly, (I’m) still happy to do it on the 1299, it’s a good bike anyway.

“I definitely want to do next year and then see, but for me to finish up on the V4, after starting out in ’98 on the 996, I’ve ridden so many different models of Ducati, so it’s pretty special for me.”

 

Bayliss turned 49 years old shortly after the start of the season, and despite a major health kick and bullish remarks on his fitness, the three-times world superbike champ had secret doubts about his comeback after a nasty highside in pre-season testing this year at Wakefield Park.

“It wasn’t planned to do this (come back) and it’s a long story but I basically had the detox after 10 years away, to come back on and get back up to race speed,” he explained.

“I dropped 12 kilos, got off the beers, so much stuff that had to be done, and it took a while to really get going again.

“The first time I hopped back on the bike, the very first ride at Wakefield Park, the bike had less than 35km on it, I crashed there and fractured my hip socket, ran over my neck, and I was laying in the gravel thinking, ‘Yep, I’m not sure.’

“Then we arrived at Phillip Island for the first race at the World Supers and I was still recovering from that and my doctor said, ‘If you have another proper crash and land around your hip area, it could be not good.’

“So I was quite nervous leading up to the first race and I was still so sore as well, I could barely get on the bike, and then went through a few up and downs, had a few half-decent results.

“By Darwin, we won our first race and had pole and since then we’ve been at the front of every race, playing for the win, and I just basically think now I’m going to hit the ground running next year and be in a much better position.

“I feel great, I’m as fit as I’ve ever been but I’m healthier than I’ve ever been in my life, so when people say ’49, ra ra ra,’ they’ve got no idea; I’ll take anyone on. I’m fit as, and ready to go.”

See Troy Bayliss take on the young bucks of the 2019 Australian Superbike Championship at Phillip Island’s world supers… February 22-24..with tickets available now at Ticketek or www.worldsbk.com.au.

New for 2019 will be three races for World Superbikes with a two-wheel dash of around 10-12 laps scheduled for Sunday morning, and adding to the 22 lappers on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.



“It’s certainly going to add a new level of intrigue and excitement to world supers and see the riders and teams under a lot more pressure to make start grids and perform,” said Fergus Cameron,  circuit managing director.  

“Details are still being sorted with DORNA so at this point regulations on tyres, reverse grids and points are a month away from being finalized.   Whatever the outcome, it’s going to be great for the fans as more racing, means more action, and that’s what world supers is all about.

A world superbike long-weekend is fun for all the family with a free Kids Zone, the Motorcycle Expo, the Phillip Island Go-Karts and the convenience of super-economical on-circuit camping.    The circuit campground is situated above Southern Loop and a camping spot is easily booked when buying your entry tickets, with children 15 and under free^ to camp.   

Tickets at www.worldsbk.com.au

 

Four-Times World Superbike Champ, Jonathan Rea, speaks about World Supers at the Island here.
 

Get your tickets to the World Supers with a three-day general admission at $120* secured in advance, or $230* when you add camping to your purchase.   All three-day tickets are gifted FREE Paddock Access, to ensure you are splash-bang in the middle of the engine room of world supers and get to experience Parc Ferme’ at close range.

If you feel like splashing out, step up to a Bar SBK ticket at $265* (with camping $375) and enjoy undercover facilities at Doohan Corner, Siberia and Lukey Heights.

World superbikes is free for kids 15 and under, and so is your bike.

Tickets and camping for the Yamaha Finance round of the 2019 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship at Phillip Island from February 22-24 are on sale from Ticketek. 

For more information go to www.worldsbk.com.au or call the toll-free WorldSBK hotline on 1300 728 007.


*All ticket prices quoted purchased in advance and subject to Ticketek service & handling fees.  Book now & save on gate prices.

^Children 15 and under are free and must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Photo credits:  Graeme Brown and Russell Colvin