Jamie Stauffer is leading Ducati's ASBK assualt on return in 2010. Image: Keith Muir.

Ducati Motologic continues to develop its brand new 1198 R machinery in the lead-up to Hidden Valley’s second round of the Viking Group Australian Superbike Championship, undergoing a test at Winton in Victoria last week.

The team made an impressive debut at Phillip Island’s opening round on debut with Ducati as double ASBK champion Jamie Stauffer rode to third overall, while rookie teammate Jordan Burgess finished inside the top 10 for ninth overall. Both are eagerly awaiting the Northern Territory round to continue development.

“I am really looking forward to racing at Darwin after having a great first round at Phillip Island in a new team and on a new bike,” Stauffer said. “It is exciting going to a track we have never raced at before and I am looking forward to rolling the Ducati Motologic 1198 R out of the truck and putting in as many laps as possible to be in a strong position to win some races.

“We have had time to make some changes to the bike since Phillip Island so we are moving forward in developing the 1198 R to be a race winner.”

Burgess, also from Newcastle in New South Wales, also will be a newcomer to the Hidden Valley circuit, however he’s confident of a solid weekend as he continues to build his premier class experience.

“I am really excited coming into the second round of the series for this year up in Darwin,” Burgess said. “Round one at Phillip Island was my first as a Superbike rider and my maiden run as a factory rider, so I’m happy to have that under my belt now. I kept improving over the weekend which was very encouraging for me and the team.

“Our test at Winton last week was extremely positive and we gained some good ground in terms of handling and set-up. We now move into the second round at Hidden Valley feeling confident of strong results. My training regime has stepped up a notch to handle conditions which will be thrown at us in the Top End. It’s going to be pretty steamy so both Jamie and I will be employing some good techniques to keep us on top of our game for all the races.”

The Hidden Valley round will take place on 9-11 April, with Demolition Plus GAS Honda Racing’s Wayne Maxwell leading the championship chase heading into round two.