WSBK » Kyalami test times - Friday

Spies quick again.

not sure how well the other riders know Kyalami but I think he will be a chmapionship contender next year.

damn right Spies will be a contender next year. You don't win 3 straight AMA Superbike titles by being a slouch. His bike is also in the beginning stages of development, most of the other fast guys this week are on fully developed bikes.

Yeah I agree, 3 straight titles shows his speed. But there is some elitest attitudes here towards American racers. It seems to be common opinion that it was because he was on a dominant bike that he won. Sure the Sukuki is fast, but that doesn't mean Spies isn't quick also.

Jonathan Rea looking good to FooAtari.Another man that its all new too Haga got to be strong this coming year on that bike ,but me well i'm shouting for Jonny Rea he could win it in his 1st year... Think Baggi will chip away at it and come on strong but not consistent in 09.

at this point the new and underdeveloped R1 is proving that to be true

Out with old and in with the new!
Haga will not have it his own way next year. The grid is looking fantastic, and lets not forget about Shayne Byrne either and his test at Portomoa... another contender I think.
As for Spies, How can you disagree? new bike (with a soft motor spec), new tires, new team, new track, he's a contender. With regards to Tom Sykes I'm sure he'll be up there too... It's a shame he was ill, Ben speaks very highly of him and so far enjoys working with him.
Rea, Fabrizio whats left to say all these guys look fast. It's going to be one hell of a season. MotoGp will pale in comparison.

Spies is the real deal for sure. I guess all you nay sayers who discounted his 3 AMA titles will be eating crow. The guys going to improve more as the development of the new R1 gets better. Its only a matter of time before he starts making podiums and winning races.

He has a chance to win the title in his rookie year but i doubt it. But im sure he'll give Haga fits for real LOL. I think if he doesnt win the title he will take 2nd place.

But i think its Haga's year and he will be the 2008 WSBK champ.

my bad fellas LOL 2009.

Too early to tell,and this testing doesn't mean much.Great to see the young guys going so well.
As for Spies,he has been pushed to another level largely by a cagey veteran teamate, whether that was Mat's intention or not?Ben was either going to make it or be broken.He is well conditioned and obviously survived a very tough competitor.He will be a factor if the Yamaha is up to the task?If Haga stays at the top of time sheets into the end of the season,he should probably be the man?Will the Ducati survive at nearly 1200ccs?Not sure if he can ride slow enough either?
I have to say this looks to be the most exciting season at a top level since the late 1980s in 500GPs!

Watched a fair bit of AMA but not sure if Spies is any good in heavy traffic alwayed got away from the thick of it me thinks???????????