Image: Foremost Media.

Morgan Park runner-up Broc Pearson has indicated that he and DesmoSport Ducati are ‘still leaving a little bit out there’ despite his return to the ASBK podium on Sunday, searching to extract more from the team’s V4 R.

A consistent 2-3 scorecard in Queensland resulted in Pearson’s first podium finish since winning at One Raceway last year, as he – together with the team – continues to develop the MoTec electronics system after switching from Magneti Marelli, and it was a physically demanding couple of races for him on Sunday.

“I’m really happy with how the weekend has gone, it’s been refreshing to get back onto the podium,” Pearson told CycleOnline post-race. “It’s going back to Wakefield last year, from our last one… I must say that, as much as I am satisfied, I was expecting a little bit more due to it being a track that we are really strong at.

“There are still a few things with our new package this year and the MoTec that we need to smooth out, and I think that we’re still leaving a little bit out there. So, consistency was a lot better in that second race, but we’re still missing a little bit at the start. We need to keep working on that, but yeah, happy for the team just to get a better Sunday going, because it’s been a bit of a challenge as of this year to get our Sundays right.

“This time last year here, we battled for a win, and I guess that’s kind of what I always expect is just to be in the battle. It was nice to still be battling with guys today, but I just want to be battling for the win – I think that’s what we’re all here for, and especially the team.”

Following what was a largely positive result, the 25-year-old Pearson maintains that more performance is yet to be unlocked from his Panigale, admitting the McMartin Racing Ducati of reigning four-time champion and runaway points-leader Josh Waters continue to be the benchmark in the category.

“The question for our team over the last few years has been, ‘How do we make our bike as consistent as theirs [Waters and McMartin Racing]’? Whether it’s in my riding style and a bit in the bike, I don’t know the answer, but we’re always searching for that answer.

“I’m really physically fit, but at the same time, it doesn’t matter how fit you are, it’s really hard to ride a bike around here that’s that physically demanding like mine was today, so this is part of the thing we need to work on. I feel like those 16 lap races for me were quite challenging and I’m glad to just make it through and yeah, end up with second overall today.”

Pearson, whose P2 finish elevates him to third overall in the ASBK championship standings, also moved to defend ongoing criticism of the Warwick circuit, which he has been typically competitive at during his career.

“I think it’s hard to pick on the circuit because for one, this circuit is backed by a lot of locals and I think we need to be very grateful that we’ve even got a raceway here to be riding at,” he suggested. “At the same time, it’s as much risk as we’re prepared to take out there. So no matter what circuit, you look at some all across the world, it all comes down to how much risk you’re willing to put on the line. Is this the safest track on paper? No, but do we have lots of options for ASBK? No, we don’t either.

“The last thing I want is a six round championship at Phillip Island, because it’s very hard for us guys that are local here to be making those trips down there all the time. It’s not financially easy. So yeah, I think while it’s a talking point, I think rather than picking on it and saying that we shouldn’t come here, well, let’s try and make some arrangements to improve on it so we can keep coming back here because it’s so good to see so many people trackside.”