YAMAHA RACING TEAM:

The Yamaha Racing Team’s Superbike and Supersport riders take to the Phillip Island track today with a packed schedule of practice, qualifying and racing to manage.

The MotoGP support classes will be racing for points at the penultimate outing in the respective Australian Superbike and Australian Supersport Championships.

A break in the weather greeted teams this morning but the track is infamous for its changeable conditions and the R1 and R6 riders are preparing for strong winds and rain as the weekend progresses.

Yamaha Racing Team Superbike

Yamaha Racing Team Superbike riders Daniel and Jamie Stauffer are eyeing a consistent run of results at this weekend’s Phillip Island MotoGP support event.

Three short races reaching only 8 laps in length will make today’s practice and qualifying paramount for the R1-mounted teammates.

An uncharacteristic struggle for form during the 2009 season has both riders out of the hunt for championship bragging rights but the entire outfit is determined to deliver this weekend.

The MotoGP round is the first of two consecutive points-paying events to be held at Phillip Island.

Daniel Stauffer said the season’s results had fallen frustratingly short of the effort delivered by every member of the team.

“We’re looking forward to getting out there today and trying a few more things with the bike,” said Stauffer. “We’ve seen its potential at various stages throughout the season and our best race finish was here at the start of the year so things are looking positive.

“With the kind of weather we see at Phillip Island it really is anyone’s race.

“If the wind and rain closes in then it levels the playing field, we’re hoping to take advantage and make back some ground on the guys who are fighting for the championship.”

Daniel is 8th in the race for the Superbike championship, with brother Jamie a place higher in 7th.

As well as his Superbike class commitments, Jamie will be battling to defend his Supersport crown from 2008.

The race for honours has been a one-sided affair for the all-conquering Yamaha R6, and factory Supersport teammate Bryan Staring currently holds a 17 point advantage.

ASBK Championship Points
1. Glenn ALLERTON (NSW), 217
2. Joshua WATERS (VIC), 206
3. Wayne MAXWELL (VIC), 198
4. Shawn GILES (VIC), 165
5. Robert BUGDEN (VIC), 154
6. Craig COXHELL (VIC), 146
7. Jamie STAUFFER (VIC), 135 (Yamaha YZF-R1)
8. Daniel STAUFFER (VIC), 126 (Yamaha YZF-R1)
9. Kevin CURTAIN (NSW), 116
10. Chris TROUNSON (VIC), 87

Yamaha Racing Team Supersport

Multiple Supersport race and round winner and current points leader, Bryan Staring will look to maintain his lead aboard the Yamaha Racing Team R6 at this weekend’s Phillip Island MotoGP support round.

The Gold Coast-based rider has enjoyed his most successful season of results to date and has managed to maintain a solid buffer over 2008 champion and fellow factory rider Jamie Stauffer.

Staring said he expected the close battle between himself and Stauffer to continue this weekend.

“Phillip Island is a favourite among most of the riders, its got some high speed sections and open, flowing corners,” said Staring.

“I’ve had some good results here in the past but I have no doubt that Jamie will be on the pace early so it will be important to get the most out of the bike in practice and qualifying.

“The shorter races will make things very tough, there will be fewer opportunities to make up any lost ground so I am aiming to lead from the front.

“The weather is another factor that we need to consider – it can change drastically between each session. I’m confident that we’ve got a good handle on the R6 and will be ready to respond to whatever challenges come our way.”

Staring has not finished any race outside the top two this year and has six wins to his name.

He currently leads the class on 230 points, with Stauffer second on 213. The next closest challenge comes from Ben Attard who is 73 points behind.

ASBK Supersport Class Championship Points
1. Bryan STARING (VIC), 230 (YZF-R6)
2. Jamie STAUFFER (NSW), 213 (YZF-R6)
3. Ben ATTARD (NSW), 157
4. Shannon JOHNSON (VIC), 140
5. Troy HERFOSS (VIC), 128
6. Scott CHARLTON (VIC), 123 (YZF-R6)
7. Chris QUINN (NSW), 115 (YZF-R6)
8. Christan CASELLA (VIC), 114 (YZF-R6)
9. Cameron KEEVERS (WA), 105 (YZF-R6)
10. Jed METCHER (VIC), 99 (YZF-R6)