We’re now counting down the days until the Swann Series returns to the track, with the third round at Queensland Raceway in Ipswich just over a week away.

Today is the second and final day of an extended test session being held at the circuit, with a number of teams and riders jumping at the chance to dial in their bikes since the last visit.

Yamaha set a cracking pace in last week’s test, with local rider Robbie Bugden going beneath the lap record. These times are of course unofficial, but it’s a good sign that the team will be at its competitive best come race weekend.

Times will filter through later today and tomorrow from the current on-track activities, with Honda and BMW amongst the big names to chase down Bugden’s benchmark.

Image: Alex Gobert.

With the first two events held at slightly short and more ‘point and shoot’ style tracks, Queensland Raceway should allow bikes a bit more leeway to stretch their legs. On paper it could work well for BMW and Kawasaki, who have been up there but have yet to really find a way to take it directly to Honda who has been the most consistent over a race.

Still on the ASC, and it was interesting to read yesterday’s interview with Dale Gilson, specifically the points regarding the road racing aspect of MA’s jurisdiction.

Of particular note was the reference to the ASC, and the fact that MA was eager to investigate and pursue the solution that best fit the teams and riders. Could this mean the door is ajar for the ASC to take back the official Aussie championship status? Who knows. Time is of the essence, though, so any decisions you would imagine would need to be made very soon.

Tomorrow we’ll be publishing another feature which polls opinions of various industry players regarding what they feel the main focus of the ‘new’ ASBK should be. A few interesting points in there, for sure.

Plenty of talking points from the MotoGP circles from last weekend, including another edge of the seat premier class race.

While Marc Marquez won again, it is fantastic to watch proper battles taking place and the performance gap on an even level. And what about Rossi, who continues to outpace teammate Lorenzo? To think that the Italian was considering retirement is insane.

Source: Red Bull KTM Ajo.

Jack Miller wrangled another good result in Moto3, with an epic last lap performance to recover points which could be pivotal to his title hopes. Miller’s been the talk of 2015 rumors for over a week now, with a move to Moto2 next year almost certain to take place. If he can, as rumour suggests, get on board with the Marc VDS outfit, then he’s giving himself a fantastic chance to challenge in the intermediate category.

Finally a quick flick to BSB to wrap things up. Another good strong showing from Josh Brookes, though his run was soured by a crash as he sought to push forward. He’s definitely on par with leader Shane Byrne, just lacking the chance to show it on every occasion so far.

A couple of top 10s were good for Josh Waters, but Mitchell Carr continues to suffer terrible luck with a crash early in the piece resulting in another injury. Fingers crossed for a solid recovery.

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