PREVIEW – 2018 Yamaha Financial Services Phillip Island World Superbike Round
After Kawasaki Racing Team’s Jonathan Rea won a third successive World Superbike Championship by last year, will the Ulsterman achieve the ultimate again in 2018?
The 2017 season saw Rea win 16 of 26 races, with the only other race winners being ‘familiar’ names like Tom Sykes, Chaz Davies and Marco Melandri.
But a new season means a new start, so the bridesmaids to Rea for the past three years will be looking to make a new start, while returning riders and WSBK debutantes will also be looking to make their mark.
All riders will make their first impressions at Phillip Island this 23-25 February, when the opening round of the 2018 Motul FIM World Superbike Championship leaps into action.
Situation Normal
After the two-day race format was introduced in 2016 and the race 2 shuffle of the top nine riders came into effect last year, there are no major changes to the race weekend programme in 2018. At least not yet!
There have been some changes made to keep grid numbers up, mainly be permitting those who qualified outside the 107 per cent of the polesitter to still race, but from the back of the grid. There’ll also be a “quick start” procedure put into place for races where the start has been delayed by accidents or weather changes.
On a more technical level, price-capping for components comes into effect this season, as does the banning of MotoGP-style wings, unless they’re fitted to the production bikes. Electronic suspension control will not be permitted, even if it’s on the production model.
New – and Old - Faces
While the top end of the WSBK grid is unchanged for 2018, with no change to the factory Kawasaki, Ducati and Yamaha outfits, there are some new arrivals in other squads, some seat shuffling amongst teams and the return of familiar faces.
Making their Superbike debuts in 2018 will be Patrick Jacobsen, who steps up from an MV Agusta in World Supersport to a Honda with the TripleM Honda team. Toprak Razgatlioglu (from Superstock 1000) and Gabriele Ruiu (from Italian national series SBK) are also WSBK debutants this year, but you won’t see Ruiu at Phillip Island, as the 17-year-old won’t be allowed to race until the Donington Park round in May, when he turns 18. Christian Gamarino will fill in for Ruiu on the Grillini Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000 for the opening five rounds.
After a handful of fill-in rides with the Red Bull Honda WSBK Team last year, Jake Gagne will race the full season for the Honda factory squad this year, alongside Leon Camier, who’s switched from MV Agusta Reparto Corse.
Former MotoGP rider Yonny Hernandez will make his WSBK debut with Puccetti Kawasaki, while journeyman Roberto Rolfo returns to the series with Grillini Racing. Loris Baz will also come back to WSBK, on an Althea BMW, after three years in MotoGP.
Of the new arrivals and major changes, the Hondas of Gagne, Camier and Jacobsen will be the ones to watch, while the quick Jordi Torres should do well on the MV Agusta vacated by Camier.
Amongst the regulars, Yamaha will be a team to watch, too, after both Michael van der Mark and Alex Lowes finished the 2017 season strongly.
Aussies in Action
Unfortunately, the only Aussies with a full-time ride at time of writing are Anthony West and Lachlan Epis, both of whom will be flying the flag in World Supersport.
West has already proven himself numerous times (including two podiums last year), so should do well again this year on the EAB West Racing Kawasaki, while technical support from Puccetti Racing (the team behind five-time WSS champion Kenan Sofuoglu) should deliver a more reliable package across the season.
After the past two seasons in a family-run and funded effort, Epis joins Team GoEleven Kawasaki this year, alongside Italy’s Michael Canducci.
Wildcards or late additions to the World Superbike grid for the Australian round had not been confirmed as this issue went to press. Similarly, wildcard applications for WSS opened in November, but there were no confirmed starters for Phillip Island at press time.
Provisional Schedule
The opening Friday of action at Phillip Island will see WSBK and WSS free practise and qualifying as usual, with national support classes in the mix, too.
On Saturday, WSBK and WSS Superpole will be held prior to WSBK’s Race 1, with more national class racing to follow (subject to change).
Sunday is still the big one, with eight races scheduled (subject to change). The WSS hitout will be the appetiser for WSBK Race 2.
Schedule was still being finalised as this issue went to press, so go to: worldsbk.com.au for updates and confirmation.
TICKETING
With a packed program of racing, a 3-day ticket is your best option, but single day tickets are available.
Discounts are available on the gate price if you pre-purchase General Admission, Campground and BarSBK tickets through ticketek.com.au.
For VIP Hospitality packages, go to: <a href="www.worldsbk.com.au">worldsbk.com.au</a>
GENERAL ADMISSION
A General Admission (GA) ticket is your all-purpose option, allowing you to ride the outfield to find your favourite section of the circuit.
Saturday GA tickets have risen slightly on 2017 prices, but Friday, Sunday and 3-day pre-purchase prices are unchanged.
Pre-purchased tickets can save you up to $35 on gate prices.
Kids under 15 enter FREE when accompanied by a paying adult.
PRE-PURCHASE PRICE
Friday Saturday Sunday 3 Day Pass
Adult $30.00 $70.00 $80.00 $120.00
Concession* $15.00 $50.00 $50.00 $75.00
*concession includes Aged Pensioner, Seniors Card holder and full-time students.
NOTE: 3-day tickets with bonus free paddock access had sold out at press time.
BAR SBK
The Bar SBK trackside R&R areas feature undercover licensed (cash) bars, superscreen viewing and a great atmosphere.
Located at three strategic locations around the circuit – Doohan Corner, Siberia and Lukey Heights – this is the way to kick back and enjoy the SBK race weekend in comfort.
Pre-purchase your 3-day Bar SBK ticket and you’ll receive free access to the SBK Paddock and Paddock Show on Friday morning.
PRE-PURCHASE PRICE
Adult $260*
* 3-day pass
MATES RATES
Purchase seven General Admission or Bar SBK tickets and receive a free additional ticket of the same value!
CAMPING
Make a long weekend of it and camp out at the circuit. Two camping zones alongside Southern Loop are available, with a layout that includes a dedicated motorcycle area away from the cars, with ride-in ride-out access to the circuit outfield, too.
This year, campground tickets pre-purchased through Ticketek are combined with GA tickets, saving you the hassle of purchasing two separate tickets.
Kids under 15 can camp for FREE with a paying adult.
NOTE: Combined BarSBK and Camping tickets had sold out at press time.
NOTE2: If you’ve already pre-purchased your GA ticket and need a camping ticket, or if you have enquiries on powered sites, contact the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit office direct on 1300 728 007.
PRE-PURCHASE PRICE – Combined campground (Zone 1 and Zone 2) and GA ticket
Adult $225/person
Concession* $150/person
*concession includes Aged Pensioner, Seniors Card holder and full-time students.
GENERAL NOTE1: A one-off handling/service fee applies to ALL pre-purchased tickets, depending on method of delivery. See: ticketek.com.au for details.
GENERAL NOTE 2: GA, BarSBK and campground tickets purchased at the gate carry a premium over the pre-purchased prices listed above.
VIP HOSPITALITY
Watch the action unfold in undercover luxury from Gardner Straight, with a number of options available to suit most budgets.
All VIP packages, excluding SBK Express, can give you three-day access to the circuit, access to the SBK Paddock and Paddock Show (which will be bigger in 2018) and many more features.
Aussie Superbike Club single day - from $205/person
Sat/Sun - $615/person
3-day - $685/person
(Gardner Straight outfield)
Providing undercover and air-conditioned catered comfort, with panoramic views across the circuit, this VIP package also includes access to the Superbike Paddock and Paddock Show, pit walk on Saturday and Sunday (3-day ticket only), reserved parking, reserved seat dining (morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea), free WiFi, cash bar, superscreen viewing, free access to the ‘History of Motorsport Display’ at the Phillip Island Visitor Centre and more.
Club Superbike single day - from $305/person
Sat/Sun - $820/person
3-day - $920/person
(Gardner Straight – infield pit roof)
Located on pit roof, Club Superbike puts you right above the action on pit lane, with 360 degree views of the track.
This package includes reserved seat dining (morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea) in a climate-controlled glass-fronted suite, outdoor viewing area, complimentary beverages, cash bar for spirits, superscreen viewing, access to the Superbike Paddock and Paddock Show, Saturday/Sunday pit walk (3-day ticket only), reserved parking, live course commentary, free WiFi, VIP shuttle bus and more.
Advantage Plus $1,745/person (3-day)
(Gardner Straight – infield pit roof)
The ultimate package that includes 4-star local accommodation for three nights (additional nights available at extra cost) w/continental breakfast, 3-day circuit access with meals and beverages in a climate-controlled pit roof facility, reserved parking, superscreen viewing and more.
Advantage Plus also includes shuttle bus service, pit walk on Saturday and Sunday, access to the Superbike Paddock and Paddock Show, event program and goodie bag.
SBK Express $2,075/person (single day)
(Gardner Straight – infield pit roof)
If Sunday is your only free day, SBK Express gets you to the Island fast via helicopter transfer from Melbourne (conditions apply).
You also get access to a premier pit-lane suite, the Superbike Paddock and Paddock Show, pit walk, undercover reserved seat dining (morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea), complimentary beverages, cash bar for spirits, an outdoor panoramic viewing area and more.
See the worldsbk.com.au website for availability, along with full terms and conditions, for all VIP packages.
NOTE: Ticketing options listed were all available at time of writing, but we strongly advise you check availability of your preferred option before making plans. VIP and Bar SBK tickets usually sell out in advance of the race weekend, so move quick or you’ll miss out.
Book your tickets for General Admission, campground and Bar SBK at www.ticket.com.au or purchase at the gate.
VIP ticketing packages are available through <a href="www.worldsbk.com.au">www.worldsbk.com.au</a>
For further details, call the Superbike Hotline - 1300 728 007.
