The Phillip Island tests have concluded in what, in terms of values, represents the real preview of the FIM Superbike World Championship season, just ahead of the first round. Lorenzo Baldassarri, who unlike previous preseason sessions was able to ride in dry conditions, was able to take advantage of the GoEleven team’s Ducati Panigale V4R in the configuration best suited to real performance. From the very first day, there was a real sense that the rider could go very fast. Not only because he was finally able to count on the full potential of the bike, but also because he set a remarkable pace from the very first laps. The fourth fastest time in the first session, although not optimal, was a prelude to the 1’30.280 in the afternoon, which earned him sixth place overall.

Good at processing these initial findings together with the team, Lorenzo built on his performance on the second day, confirming his speed in all sectors and shaving almost a second off the previous day’s benchmark, setting the third fastest time overall of 1’29.328, with all riders improving their lap times. This result rewards his ability to adapt to a bike that had not been exploited to its full potential until now and bodes well for Friday’s free practice sessions. These sessions, which officially open the first round and the 2026 championship at Phillip Island, are overall a test that the rider and his Ducati are capable of passing.

«I’m happy because we started above expectations. I knew the potential was there, but we needed to lay the groundwork, and we succeeded. We worked hard and on race pace. We were already fast on the first day, but we needed to take one more step to become one with the bike. Setting the third fastest time on the second day is an excellent result. Now we need to improve and work as a team. It seems like a great environment to me, and we need to continue with this spirit because there will be different pressures in the race.»

Lorenzo Baldassarri

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Below is the Phillip Island schedule: