DesmoSport Ducati press release:

DesmoSport Ducati’s Australian Superbike Championship newcomer Callum Spriggs scored important championship points in both premier class races at Wakefield Park Raceway in New South Wales this afternoon.

On and off rain in the region across the weekend played havoc at round two of the 2017 season, however Spriggs was able to put in a pair of consistent performances in challenging conditions at the 2.2-kilometre circuit.

In race one the DesmoSport Ducati team opted for the safer option of using Pirelli wet tyres on what was a drying track, with mist still in the air, and Spriggs soldiered on for 11th position across the finish.

The second race was contested in dry conditions, as the 22-year-old brought his 1299 Panigale S home in 15th place to add to his championship tally. That placed him 13th overall for the round.

“The first race wasn’t too bad on the wets,” Spriggs recalled. “A bit disappointing, but I feel like I rode okay in that one and to finish 11th gave us a decent amount of points. Come race two I had a slow start and I was struggling to make passes, so that was difficult, but I am really thankful for the team’s help and I will keep working hard from here. It’s not going to be easy, but I would really like to get my first top 10 at Winton and move up the order.”

DesmoSport Ducati team co-owner Troy Bayliss commented: “It was a tough day for everybody and certainly one of the most difficult weekends of the year. All in all, we went out on wets in the first race and the field was split in its decision for the most part, so Cal didn’t go too bad there, all things considered. We just want to keep moving forward from here and try to improve the results further at the next round, but everybody in the team did great.”

The 2017 Australian Superbike Championship will continue with round three to be staged at Winton Motor Raceway in Victoria on 28-30 April. Like DesmoSport Ducati on Facebook and visit www.asbk.com.au for further information.