Destination 'Down Under' for Pata Yamaha as official pre-season test kicks off 2016 campaign

The 2016 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season beckons for Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK with the official pre-season test at Australia's Phillip Island commencing on Monday 22nd February.

Alex Lowes and Sylvain Guintoli are eager to put their Yamaha YZF-R1's to work at one of WorldSBK's most unique and challenging circuits, with two days of testing scheduled ahead of the year's opening race event the following weekend.

Situated on the Bass Straight, in Australia's southern state of Victoria, and just 130kms from Melbourne, the 4,445m Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is a favourite of many riders, including Lowes and Guintoli. Breath-taking coastal views, high-speed corners and an undulating layout make the track thrilling for spectators and demanding for teams and riders alike, providing a perfect location for the final pre-season test of 2016.

Lowes and Guintoli will take to the Phillip Island Circuit for two, two-hour sessions on each of the scheduled days, with the opening WorldSBK action commencing at 11:10hrs local time on Monday 22nd February.




Alex Lowes


"I'm really looking forward to Phillip Island; it's a track and event everyone enjoys and obviously this year I have a new bike so it's very exciting times. It's important for me to be patient in Australia, the bike is new and I am not 100 percent recovered from my shoulder yet so the test is going to be about playing it smart and learning as much as possible. I have a great team and I am feeling very good with the YZF-R1 and the new staff we have, so I can't wait!"

Sylvain Guintoli

"The testing plan has gone well over the winter but we need to keep pushing to develop the YZF-R1 as well and as fast as possible. The test in Phillip Island is very important to keep this momentum going. It's also one of my favourite tracks so I am looking forward to getting to work and enjoying riding on the island."