DesmoSport Ducati’s Jones set for Winton ASBK finals
DesmoSport Ducati’s reigning Australian Superbike champion Mike Jones is ready to bounce back at Winton’s season finale in Victoria on 30 September-2 October, aiming to cap off what’s been a stellar first season aboard the 1299 Panigale S.
Jones was unfortunately a non-scorer at last month’s penultimate round, however the 22-year-old has his sights firmly set on a podium finish to wrap up the 2016 season this weekend. He’s already gained top three results at Phillip Island, Sydney Motorsport Park and Barbagallo Raceway.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to Winton this weekend with the DesmoSport Ducati team,” said Jones. “I’m looking to bounce back from Morgan Park and being able to finish the season on a high. The goal is to go there and do the best I possibly can and hopefully that will get us on the podium.”
Completing the recent Winton ASBK test in both dry and wet conditions with a fastest lap time of 1m21.973s for fourth overall, Queensland talent Jones enters the final round with added confidence on the recently-resurfaced circuit.
“The ASBK test that we did at Winton last week went really well for us,” he added. “We got a day of wet weather riding, which was good to get an idea of the circuit characteristics in the wet conditions.
“We also got a day of dry track time, which is good to get a direction of where we need to go with the bike in terms of set-up. I think after those couple of days we’re in a pretty good spot to go to the race and have the knowledge necessary to make the right changes with the bike in order to be competitive.”
Jones currently sits fifth overall in the 2016 Australian Superbike Championship standings heading into the final event of the season at Winton, Victoria, on 30 September-2 October. Visit the series website at www.asbk.com.au for further information.