World Superbike winter testing update

By Dan Moakes
February 12 2004

World Superbike winter testing has seen the bulk of the action, so far, taking place on the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valência, Spain. With Ducati runners making up more than half the field this year, it is no surprise to see the V-twin machines leading the way on lap times. That and the fact that the 999R has been the class of the field since its introduction. The Foggy Petronas team joined the works Fila Ducatis on track at Phillip Island, in Australia, whilst a variety of non-works machines have put time in at the Spanish circuit.

The Fila bikes of Régis Laconi and James Toseland have been quickest to date, but with Steve Martin’s DFX Ducati getting just ahead of the Englishman. Leon Haslam and Frankie Chili were not far behind. Of the other makes, Troy Corser’s FP1 was closest to the pace, with Suzuki, Honda and Kawasaki pilots also in amongst the hordes of Italian bikes.

Best times from Valência:
Régis Laconi (Ducati) 1:35.6
Steve Martin (Ducati) 1:36.2
James Toseland (Ducati) 1:36.4
Leon Haslam (Ducati) 1:36.748
Frankie Chili (Ducati) 1:36.8
Troy Corser (Foggy) 1:36.9
Noriyuki Haga (Ducati) 1:37.2
Sergio Fuertes (Suzuki) 1:37.274
Chris Vermeulen (Honda) 1:37.377
Marco Borciani (Ducati) 1:37.6
Mauro Sanchini (Kawasaki) 1:38.073
Chris Walker (Foggy) 1:38.2
Ivan Clementi (Kawasaki) 1:38.6
Garry McCoy (Ducati) 1:38.756

Best times from Phillip Island:
Régis Laconi (Ducati) 1:33.55
James Toseland (Ducati) 1:34.50
Troy Corser (Foggy) 1:35.4
Chris Walker (Foggy) 1:35.7