Image: Keith Muir.

Rider reaction has been largely positive following day one of Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) presented by Motul Pirelli testing at Morgan Park in Queensland on Wednesday.

A host of the sport’s top domestic talent debuted at the Warwick circuit yesterday, including Yamaha Racing Team’s current championship leader Wayne Maxwell. The two-day outing is an ideal opportunity to learn the layout.

“Yesterday was really good to be able to learn a new track as quick as we did,” Maxwell said. “It is a good feeling for me to know that I am riding alright and that the Yamaha is working well around this circuit. The next step, is the challenging part, trying to get the last half a second or more out of the bike to try and match Mike [Jones]’ super-quick times around here.”.

Crankt Protein Honda Racing’s Troy Herfoss was also pleased with day one: “We have completed our first day of testing here at Morgan Park, like most it’s my first time. My first impressions of the layout is good, lots of corners linking together and some undulation makes it a physical lap on the Superbike.

“I think we completed up around 100 laps over the 7 sessions, and I’m feeling good on the bike. Shaun is working hard to make my job as easy as possible, so hopefully on day two we can push forward and put ourselves in a position to fight for the championship in a few weeks.”

Last year’s race winner and current Morgan Park lap record holder Mike Jones has also made strong inroads at his home venue on the calendar, this year aboard the DesmoSport Ducati 1299 Panigale S upon return to Queensland.

“Testing at Morgan Park is going very well with the DesmoSport Ducati team,” Jones said. “Significant progress has been made by XXX Rated Race Suspension with the Ohlins components to improve handling. Likewise, with Woolich Racing, we’ve improved the electronics and tuning of the bike too. I’m looking forward to making more developments tomorrow.”

With testing continuing at the circuit today, stay tuned for a post-wrap including the fastest times as we look ahead toward round five of the 2016 ASBK season at Morgan Park in Queensland on 5-7 August.