News 27 Feb 2017

Spriggs progresses in DesmoSport Ducati debut

DesmoSport Ducati press release:

DesmoSport Ducati Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) rookie Callum Spriggs made the most of the challenges in starting from 36th on the grid to round out his premier class debut at Phillip Island.

Alongside round one of the Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK), 22-year-old Spriggs experienced troubles in Friday’s lone qualifying session and was forced to start from toward the rear of the grid in all three races.

After finishing 18th in Saturday’s opening bout, Spriggs battled on today aboard the 1299 Panigale S to register a DNF and 16th-place result. The non-finish came due to a shift-lever bolt that worked its way loose in the closing laps of race two.

Despite the difficulties he faced this weekend, an inspired ride in the thrilling two-part final race saw him gain a boost of confidence that will work into his favour as his maiden season rolls on.

“It was a good weekend and I learned a lot,” Spriggs reflected. “It was a good experience and, although so much was happening, I feel like I was riding pretty good. DesmoSport Ducati worked hard all weekend and I really appreciate those guys for all the effort.

“Even though it wasn’t to be my weekend, I had a strong last race and battled with some of the rookies from back there on the grid, so that’s what I wanted to do. I definitely got more comfortable on the Ducati in the races, got into a rhythm and I’m happy to finish the round like that.”

DesmoSport Ducati team co-owner Ben Henry said Spriggs put forward an impressive showing regardless of the challenges he faced. Fellow co-owner and three-time WorldSBK champion Troy Bayliss was likewise satisfied with Spriggs’ debut.

“Qualifying didn’t go to plan and the way it worked out with a single session, we got what we got,” Henry explained. “We were too far back on the grid to really make an impact, but it was good to see Cal work his way forward and he rode well – I was really happy with how he handled it. The potential’s definitely there and I feel like as the year goes on, we will see him closer and closer to the front.”

With eight points to his credit from this weekend’s opening ASBK round, DesmoSport Ducati newcomer Spriggs will now reset his focus for round two at Wakefield Park, NSW, on 17-19 March.

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