World Superbike

Suzuki Alstare Phillip Island test summary

FRUSTRATION FOR MICHEL

Edited: Jun 1, 2018, 12:45 PM

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Team Suzuki Alstare rider Michel Fabrizio ended the two day tests in Phillip Island with the seventh quickest overall time, but felt he could've gone much faster. Throughout the two days, which took place in a variety of weather conditions, Michel suffered from front end chatter and was unable to push as hard as he would've liked. More time on a softer front tyre would've helped but, as that was not a possibility, he just had to soldier on and do the best he could.

Spaniard Carlos Checa (Ducati) topped the overall standings, with a lap of 1:30.578, well over second quicker than the official lap record of 1:31.826 set by local hero Troy Corser in 2007. Second quickest over the two days was Sylvain Guintoli (Ducati), with Jonathan Rea (Honda) third.

Michel - 7th, 1:32.113

Although the two days were generally OK, I am disappointed that I didn't go any faster. I had a lot of front end chatter and that was mainly due to the fact that the front tyre was too hard. I know if I had been able to use a softer front today I would've gone at least four tenths of a second quicker. It was a bit frustrating because the rest was more or less OK. I had a little crash this afternoon and that was because the front end was too hard and I couldn't feel exactly what it was doing and I couldn't get enough feedback. Fortunately I only hurt two fingers of my right hand and even the bike wasn't really damaged - just a broken footpeg and a few scrapes on the fairing.

Every time I get on my GSXR 1000 and put in laps, I get used to the bike more and more. The team are working very hard and I am trying to get the utmost from the bike and be as competitive as possible. Now that we have seen how all the other bikes are performing, it gives a clearer picture of what we have to do. For sure that the race this coming weekend is going to very hard but, if I can qualify well, there is no reason why I cannot get a good result, and that's what I'll be chasing.

-source: suzuki alstare

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