Ducati Prevails in Hidden Valley ASBK Practice

Ducati riders have locked up the top three positions in Alpinestars Superbike practice for round four of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance ASBK, presented by Motul, at Hidden Valley today, Boost Mobile with K-Tech rider Wayne Maxwell fractionally faster than DesmoSport Ducati team-mates Oli Bayliss and Mike Jones.

Maxwell topped the opening session of the day by a relatively comfortable 0.3s margin, but Bayliss recorded some lightning-fast laps to sit atop the timesheets for much of the second session, before Maxwell responded in the dying stages to set the day’s fastest time by just 0.02s.

“We worked through our plan today, and it was satisfying to end the day on top, but it hasn’t been without its challenges,” Maxwell said.

“Our head engineer, Adrian, is stuck in Melbourne at the moment, so he’s been working remotely. Without the personal interaction, it makes it harder, but a full credit to the Boost Mobile with K-Tech crew – they’re doing their best in difficult circumstances and as usual, they’ve given me a very good bike.

“I did my fastest time on a used tyre, so I’m confident heading into qualifying tomorrow.”

Bayliss, who is making his first appearance at Hidden Valley on a Superbike, was pleased with how quickly he came to grips with the track, despite a clutch problem late in the second session.

“My only previous experience at Hidden Valley was on a Supersport 300 bike, so I knew I had to train as hard as I could to prepare for a weekend of Superbike racing in hot conditions,” Bayliss said.

“We improved in both sessions today and I was really happy with my times before the clutch let go, so we’re in good shape for tomorrow.”

Third-placed Jones was also satisfied with the day’s proceedings.

“I’m feeling good on the bike and everything is going to plan so far,” Jones said.

“Oli and I are both close in times, which is good for the DesmoSport Ducati team – we’re able to give them good feedback and drive the whole team forward.”

Troy Herfoss (Penrite Honda) ended the day fourth overall ahead of Glenn Allerton, who bounced back from a stuck rear brake in the first session to record a competitive time aboard his brand-new Next Gen Motorsports BMW M1000 RR.

Daniel Falzon was the best of the Yamahas in sixth ahead of Bryan Staring, Cru Halliday, Jed Metcher and Lachlan Epis.

Qualifying for the ASBK commences at 10:20am tomorrow.