It only took 23 laps for the outright Lap Record to be broken, by a Rookie nevertheless. Despite having never ridden a superbike nor his Ducati Panigale V4R around Phillip Island Circuit before, Nicolo Bulega [Aruba.it Racing – Ducati] was quick to fire in this history breaking time, which was made in just his 23rd lap around The Island, first posting a 1:28.962.

The moment that many have been waiting for, it’s time for the World Superbike field to take to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit for the final day of the official test before the season fires away.

It was Italian domination for Day 1, with Yari Montella [Barni Spark Racing Team] the one to beat on the opening day. Montella, who also topped FP1, charged his Ducati Panigale V2 around the 4.445km circuit to a new unofficial all time lap record, dipping into the 1:31’s to set the fastest time of the day, a 1:31.881.

While it was a slower start for riders to enter the circuit with Free Practice 1 totalling four hours of open track time for the 27-rider field, it was Stefano Manzi [Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing] who set the first blistering lap time of a 1:32.635 approximately two-hours into the session.

The teams are here and the atmosphere is building in the lead up to the Grand Ridge Brewery Australian Round taking place on the 23 – 25th February at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit; But first, the Official Test must take place.

One of the key stories emerging from pre-season testing has been none other than Nicolo Bulega of Aruba.it Racing – Ducati. Despite his rookie status, the 2023 World Supersport Champion has shown some serious pace amongst the field, finishing both days of testing at Jerez, and the opening day of testing at Portimao.