Australian Pedercini Kawasaki teammates Bryan Staring and Mark Aitchison enjoyed a solid day of development during Phillip Island’s second day of World Superbike pre-season testing on Tuesday.
Current Australian Superbike Champion Staring progressed with the 18th quickest lap overall at the test with a 1:33.398, less than half a second off the pace of countryman and dual world champion Troy Corser aboard the factory BMW.
“Another good day of testing and I feel we made solid progress,” Staring said. “My feeling with the bike is getting better and better though there’s still work to be done, also because everything is new for me this season.
“Today we found some good solutions and I was able to improve my lap times. Now I’m eager to start the official sessions on Friday and will try my best to obtain a good result for my team and for my sponsors.”
Phillip Island is scheduled as Staring’s lone confirmed WSBK affair for this season, set to concentrate on the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup title for the Pedercini squad.
Aitchison completed his Superbike debut with a consistent couple of days of development, setting a best lap of 1:33.721 to slot in 23rd overall as he prepares for his first full season of WSBK.
”The second day of testing for me was very positive,” he said. “I have experimented a lot with some different settings for the balance of the bike. I found some areas that we must focus to improve on.
“I really enjoyed riding the bike today as this was my first real experience of a Superbike. Every time I entered into the circuit I improved my riding style to better suit the bike. This is very important for the season ahead.
“Of course we have now a lot of areas to improve with the overall bike set up and with my riding style, but I think the two days here at Phillip Island have taught us a lot.
“I enjoy working with my team at this point and I look forward to racing this weekend.”
Italian teammate Roberto Rolfo was 21st fastest at the test, his best lap coming in at a 1:33.514.