Ducati rider Neil Hodgson has warned rivals that he expects to pick up more easy points in the second round of the World Superbikes championship at Phillip Island this weekend.
Ducati rider Neil Hodgson has warned rivals that he expects to pick up more easy points in the second round of the World Superbikes championship at Phillip Island this weekend.
Hodgson said the Australian circuit was one of his favourites. “It’s a real rider’s circuit with great corners and a mega-fast straight,” he told . “I was fastest through the speed trap all weekend in Valencia and I think that Phillip Island will be good for the bike. If you can have a (speed) advantage on the straight then you can get past in the easy places and reduce the risks in others.
Hodgson leads the championship race with 50 points, followed by teammate Ruben Xaus with 40, the second Ducati factory team rider James Toseland and teammate Chris Walker (29) equal third with 29 points.
Xaus also rates his chances this weekend, after finishing second to Hodgson in Valancia. “I think the Ducati 999 will be fantastic there. The chassis is very good and it has the power, but as we haven’t tested there, we are going to have to work very hard to get a good set-up for the races.”
Walker took third in the first race at Valencia and plans to improve on his time this weekend. “I really like Phillip Island,” he said. “It has to be one of my favourite circuits on the World Superbike calendar. Despite the fact that I didn’t do that well on my first visit last year, I love the place. It’s such a long track that it almost becomes a new experience on every lap.
“After running so well at Valencia, I’m also looking forward to getting back on the HM Plant Ducati. After racing at Phillip Island last year on a four-cylinder machine, I am in eager anticipation of what the power and handling of the V-twin can do. I feel a bit like a sponge – I keep soaking up more and more information about the Ducati, which in turn is helping me to improve my times.”