2008 Superbike World Championship
Winter tests: Phillip Island, January 8-10
Day 3, January 10
Conditions: Hot and sunny, 37C.
YUKIO FASTEST!
Team Alstare Suzuki rider Yukio Kagayama ended the 3-day tests
at Phillip Island with the fastest lap, a tenth of a second
ahead of Troy Bayliss (Ducati). Yukio posted a lap of 1:32.1
in the morning session and, as the temperature rose steadily,
it was clear that it would take something special to beat
it. Bayliss looked the most likely, but crashed just after
midday and was taken to hospital with a suspected broken collarbone.
Yukio’s team mate Fonsi Nieto ended joint third quickest
and was very happy with the progress made during the three
days. Alstare Suzuki rider Max Neukirchner was deemed not
fit enough to take part today and was forced to watch from
the sidelines instead.
Yukio (96 laps, best lap 1:32.10)
I am a happy man today, not just because I set the fastest
lap here, but because we have done a lot of very good work
during these three days. The mechanics have worked very hard
(last night they finished after midnight!) and that allowed
me to put in a lot of laps and give them a lot of information
and data. It was very hot today, so that we had to make a
lot of adjustments to the settings. All in all, this test
has been very productive and a good way to start 2008.
Fonsi (74 laps, best lap 1:32.3)
Today was much better than yesterday and I think I rode very
well -especially in the morning. In the afternoon it was very
hot and that caused us all some problems. But today I found
a good rhythm with my bike and that makes me very happy. I
am now much more comfortable on the bike and that is making
it easier to ride. The engine feels surprisingly strong and
I’m beginning to enjoy riding it. I think I may have
to change my riding style from last year, but I know it will
reap rewards. Now, I’m already looking forward to my
next time out on the bike.
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