DesmoSport Ducati and Jones fifth in 2016 ASBK standings

DesmoSport Ducati’s Mike Jones has finished fifth in the 2016 Australian Superbike Championship following Winton Motor Raceway’s final round of the season in Victoria over the weekend.

Jones slotted his 1299 Panigale S into third position on the grid during the Pirelli Superpole qualifying session to secure a front row start, once again showcasing the speed of Jones aboard his DesmoSport Ducati.

Sunday’s pair of 17-lap races proved more challenging for Jones however, finishing seventh in the opening encounter and then ninth in race two following an off-track excursion on lap three that bumped him to the back of the field.

“We’ve had some ups and downs here at Winton’s final round,” Jones reflected. “The high point was qualifying on the front row of the grid in the Pirelli Superpole, where I managed to go in third position.

“I had some issues during the races and couldn’t quite convert that pace into a podium result, but overall it’s been a very good year for gaining experience. When everything is on track, we’ve definitely been quick, it’s just a matter of achieving that consistently.

“That’s the tricky part at this point, but I think if we keep working at it and if we’re able to have another crack at it in 2017, we’ll be able to get that consistency and be fast for the whole year.”

Last year’s ASBK champion Jones was able to race to three overall podiums across the six-round season, including his record-breaking Superpole and opening race win at Barbagallo Raceway’s fourth round aboard the DesmoSport Ducati 1299 Panigale S.

The DesmoSport Ducati team, co-owned by title-winning team manager Ben Henry and three-time Superbike World Champion Troy Bayliss, also entertained a selection of lucky fans at the final round with its two-up experience program on board with Bayliss.