News

The first ever WorldSBK event in Thailand began this afternoon with the official Press Conference involving Superbike riders Leon Haslam (Aprilia Racing Team – Red Devils), Sylvain Guintoli (Pata Honda WSBK Team), Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team), Troy Bayliss (Aruba Ducati SBK) and World Supersport contender Ratthapark Wilairot (CORE Motorsport Thailand).

The five riders were asked a series of questions ahead of the on track action tomorrow, below are some of their answers:

Leon Haslam: “It was nice to get back to winning ways and was almost a perfect weekend. Looking ahead to the races here in Thailand I think that we can expect more riders to join the fight. The circuit looks very good and I can’t wait to get started.”

Sylvain Guintoli: “Australia was tough, I wasn’t fully fit but it could have been worse. My physical condition is much better here in Thailand and I hope to be able to run at the front.”

Tom Sykes: “I left Australia with more points than I have on many occasions so we are still in the fight. I don’t think that the weather will be a factor here, we are all strong and in Sepang last year it wasn’t an issue. I think that we can be closer to front guys here.”

Troy Bayliss: “I didn’t expect to ride again but I wasn’t fully happy with my results and with Davide still injured I am happy to have had a few more weeks to prepare more. I’m not sure what we can achieve but my target is to fight. Whether I will continue after the races on Sunday we will have to wait and see, at the moment nothing is decided and I am only focusing on this weekend.”

Ratthapark Wilairot: “For many years it has been only a dream but finally I get to race in front of my home fans. Phillip Island was a strong start for me and the team considering we have only just started to work together and the result was ok. Here in Thailand of course I will do my best to fight for the podium.”