Well, it’s that time of the year. A rather warm goodbye to winter for motor racing fans – with the season opener of the World Superbikes season at Phillip Island, Australia.
Being exposed to the spectacular Bass Straits, the reality is the weather changes so often at Phillip Island that you can have all four seasons in a day.
This did indeed prove to be the case on Friday and Saturday, and it resulted in some pretty special light – which every photographer is on the lookout for. Cloudy skies, spots of sun, and micro-climate.
The green machines with Rea and Sykes seem to have picked up pretty much from where they left off last year. Chaz Davies, who had a terrific second half to 2015 was brimming with confidence – and it showed in his times.
And for American fans, there was of course the welcomed sight of Nicky Hayden’s #69 to look forward to. Welcome to the season opener of World Superbikes 2016 from Phillip Island – where questions outnumber answers.
Davide Giugliano had an injury-prone 2015. Will he able to put together a strong 2016 given his obvious speed?
Nobody hangs off the bike more than rookie Lorenzo Savadori. Will he hang in there?
Possibly the most beautiful exhaust in WSBK 2016: Leon Camier’s MV Agusta.
21-year old Markus Reiterburger is the youngest on the grid, partnering the experienced Jordi Torres.
‘Mickey’ Van Der Mark: will his obvious speed translate into strong finishes?
Tom Sykes at Siberia. Will he be a consistent challenger to his World Champion teammate?
Nicky Hayden, 2006 MotoGP World Champion. Possibly one of the most anticipated entrants into WSBK.
Kenan Sufuoglu, four-time World Champion of World Supersports. Will he make it five?
Final checks on Johnny Rea’s bike before FP3.
The lone non-British rider to win a race in 2015. Spaniard Jordi Torres sets off with a new team and manufacturer, BMW.
Johnny Rea, 2015 World Superbike Champion. Will he dominate like he did last year?
Will it be another cloudy season for Leon Camier, MV Agusta’s lone entry, or can he turn it around?
Photos: © 2016 Anant Deboor – All Rights Reserved
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