Image: Russell Colvin.

Words: Russell Colvin

Australia will have four riders on track at Phillip Island’s opening round of the Motul Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) series, with confirmation that Harrison Voight will join the World Supersport grid with D34G Racing.

The 18-year-old will replace Glenn van Straalen in the D34G Racing team after the Dutchman suffered a concussion in a crash at turn 12 during the second session on Monday.

Voight had his first-ever taste of a world-specfication Supersport machine – also his maiden laps on the Ducati Panigale V2 – during yesterday’s final practice session, which saw him finishing in 20th place on the overall combined times with a best lap of 1m33.514s.

“The 35-laps I completed were better than I thought,” Voight told CycleOnline. “I was a bit surprised with how the Ducati Panigale V2 was to ride as it’s very different to what I have ridden before. It’s still a Ducati, so the similarity of feeling in terms of the ASBK chassis is quite similar in some ways.”

Voight also explained that it was good to get familiarized with both the bike and the D34G Racing team. Considering the circumstances, it was a positive way to start in terms of what’s coming up for the Queenslander. Heading into his WorldSSP debut, the teenager openly admitted that he doesn’t really have any major expectations.

“I need to sort out a few things with my riding style to suit the Panigale V2,” he added. “Riding Moto2 and the Superbike, I have got some bad habits with this bike, so that will be the focus in the first session on Friday to tidy up a few things.”

If Voight can tag along with a few other riders which are a bit more familiar with the category and, in particular the Panigale V2, he believes he will be able to make progress: “Until I get on track again on Friday for the first session, I am just going out and enjoying the experience.”

Moto2 European Championship regular Voight was initially planning on entering the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) opener with McMartin Racing Ducati onboard a V4 R, but instead will compete alongside WorldSSP regulars Oli Bayliss and Luke Power on Sunday. Australia will also have Remy Gardner in action within the WorldSBK ranks.