After a dramatic and unpredictable start to World Superbike racing's 20th year of all out action, no one could have predicted the out come at Losail a few days ago, now it's the turn of Phillip Island to form the backdrop to what will hopefully be just as momentous a weekend.
The Corona Extra Superbike World championship will have it's Australian visa stamped at Phillip Island for the 17th time this time around, making the seaside circuit one of the longest serving - and most popular - in Superbike's 20 years of racing life. Its entire 4.445km length is littered with challenges to any rider's abilities, with wind and weather also capable of playing their part in any individual race outcome.
With Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra's Max Biaggi winning on his Superbike debut and with
James Toseland of Hannspree Ten Kate Honda scoring the second leg win the series is currently tied. However, more important to the local Aussie fans is the question of how the European based Australian riders will fare after Qatar's disappointments.
Reigning champion
Troy Bayliss aboard his Ducati Xerox machine was in the rare position of having his team-mate
Lorenzo Lanzi step on the podium instead of Bayliss himself, but on his home track the technical and tyre choice issues that dogged him at Losail should be eradicated before race day. Lanzi is currently third in the table, with Bayliss seventh.
The other double championship winning Aussie Troy,
Troy Corser now with Yamaha Motor Italia, scored pole and a podium for third place in race two in round one, and at his all-time favourite circuit, all things seem possible - even in what will only be his second meeting on the new Yamaha. The good news for the Aussie duo is that not just home advantage but also previous form favour them - with Corser and Bayliss each winning a Phillip Island race in 2006.
