Max Biaggi sets the pace in Australian World Superbike test

Max Biaggi continued his impressive transition to his Sterilgarda Ducati 1098 F08 in the second three day Phillip Island test that ended today (January 16).

Biaggi completed three days on the bike last week at the official Pirelli WSB test alongside the factory Ducati, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki squads finishing the test eighth fastest using 2007 non development specification tyres.

• See video of Biaggi in action at Philip Island

Although no lap times have been officially released from this weeks test, MCN has learned that Biaggi was fastest after dipping under his team-mate Ruben Xaus’ best by 0.1 seconds.

Biaggi and Xaus were sharing the circuit with the three man Alstare Suzuki squad who spent the test running 2008 specification engine, electronics and chassis components.

In last weeks official test, Japan’s Yukio Kagayama was the man on the pace, setting the fastest lap. Kagayama completed 190 laps this time out onboard the 2008 specification Alstare Suzuki GSXR1000 and was pleased with the pace of development. He said:

“Generally, my feeling is that this has been a good test and I know I put in many, many laps . The 2008 bike is not so different to last year’s bike, but there are some new bits and it was up to us to test many things and ideas and give our engineers comments about which way to go.

“Although this year’s bike is not a big change, the small differences have made this a better bike, I think. We worked in all areas, including engine, chassis and electronics and my personal feeling is that the electronics are working very well.

“Concerning the chassis, we tried many different things, but for me the standard setting is pretty good. This means we have a good base and that’s important.”

Kagayama’s team-mate Max Neukirchner made a welcome return to testing having been forced out of last weeks test after suffering a severe bout of flu. The young German was bed ridden for three days, but has now made a full recovery and made amends by posting 269 laps around the 2.76 mile circuit given him nearly 750 valuable testing miles.