#AUSWorldSBK: Positive start at the season opener

Sandro Cortese is getting along better and better aboard the Kawasaki Superbike of his new Pedercini Racing team.

The first official practice day of the new season, however, began with a slight setback for Sandro Cortese and his recently reassembled technical crew from the Italian OUTDO Kawasaki Racing team. Light rain on Friday morning completely robbed the 30-year-old Superbike rider of his first free session of the day. Due to mixed track conditions reasonably working on the bike’s set-up was not possible. Cortese could therefore only start his day's programme in the afternoon. In fine weather he finished the second session in twelfth position. He was faster than during the test earlier this week and he was able to reduce the gap to the top to under a second.

For the first time this year, the battle for world championship points will take place on Saturday afternoon in Australia. The first race will start at 5:00 am CET. Before that, the starting grid will be determined in Superpole.

#11 Sandro CORTESE (OUTDO Kawasaki Racing TPR, Kawasaki ZX-10RR), FP1: - / FP2: P12 - 1´31.397:

"Unfortunately, it rained a little bit during the first session this morning. It wouldn't have made sense to go out on track because it was wet in some places whereas in other parts it was dry. Besides, we also had to consider our tyre contingent. Otherwise it was a very positive day from our point of view. In the afternoon the conditions were much better. FP2 was a good session, we were able to make another step forward with the bike. There is still room for improvements and we already have some ideas. I think we can go a bit further for the first race tomorrow afternoon. Maybe even the top ten will be within reach then. But it will definitely be a very long and hard race. Nevertheless, I'm really looking forward to it."

#AUSWorldSBK - Combined Practice Times FP1/FP2:

1 Scott REDDING / GBR / ARUBA.IT Racing - Ducati / Ducati Panigale V4 R / 1´30.436

2 Toprak RAZGATLIOGLU / TUR / PATA YAMAHA WorldSBK Official Team / Yamaha YZF R1 / 1´30.854 +0.418

3 Michael van der MARK / NED / PATA YAMAHA WorldSBK Official Team / Yamaha YZF R1 / 1´30.905 +0.469

12 #11 Sandro CORTESE / GER / OUTDO Kawasaki TPR / Kawasaki ZX-10RR / 1´31.397 +0.961