GixerGaz
28-02-2007, 19:03
http://www.gixerjunkies.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=7946&stc=1&d=1172685826
Following a double podium finish at the nail-biting season opener in Qatar, the World Superbike paddock heads to Phillip Island this weekend where Hannspree Ten Kate Honda's James Toseland hopes to take the championship lead which he is currently sharing with World Superbike "rookie" Max Biaggi.
The British rider is determined to steal the advantage at the Australian circuit before returning to the UK for the first European at Donington Park in April. Toseland loves racing at Phillip Island and is raring to get out on track and show everyone what he is made of, "We had a great start to the season and I came away from Qatar a very happy man. I can't wait to get to Phillip Island and start the next round," he enthused, "I enjoyed racing against Biaggi, although I think there might be a few more of us up at the front in Australia. I got two podiums there last year but I didn't get a race win so that will be my goal – I'm fired up and ready to go."
Last year at the undulating Aussie track, Toseland secured two podium finishes the circuit is also a favourite of his HANNspree Ten Kate Honda team-mate Roberto Rolfo. The Italian rider picked up his highest points of the season with seventh and fifth positions at Phillip Island last year.
Rolfo is hoping to improve on a promising start to his season as he prepares for the Australian leg of the championship. After a good first race, clutch problems forced him to retire early from race two in Qatar. Despite this, the Italian is in a positive frame of mind and hopes to finish in the higher ranks in both races.
"I enjoy racing at Phillip Island – I have had some good results there so I am looking forward to the next round. Of course, I am hoping to do better than I did in Qatar," explained Rolfo, "The problems were out of my control and that was frustrating but I hope to do well in Phillip Island and put all that behind me. When we tested here in January my times got better each day so I'm quite confident about the circuit. I will just concentrate on improving my riding and do the best I possibly can for the team."
Team manager, Ronald Ten Kate is also feeling positive about the out come of the fast approaching race weekend. "Qatar was a great round for HANNspree Ten Kate Honda. James raced brilliantly and aside from the problems in the second race, Roby was riding very well and is still improving all the time. Phillip Island holds a lot of hope for us. Both riders did well here last year and also in the testing earlier this year, so we are quietly confident. I am of course hoping for more podium finishes –let's see what the weekend brings.
Following a double podium finish at the nail-biting season opener in Qatar, the World Superbike paddock heads to Phillip Island this weekend where Hannspree Ten Kate Honda's James Toseland hopes to take the championship lead which he is currently sharing with World Superbike "rookie" Max Biaggi.
The British rider is determined to steal the advantage at the Australian circuit before returning to the UK for the first European at Donington Park in April. Toseland loves racing at Phillip Island and is raring to get out on track and show everyone what he is made of, "We had a great start to the season and I came away from Qatar a very happy man. I can't wait to get to Phillip Island and start the next round," he enthused, "I enjoyed racing against Biaggi, although I think there might be a few more of us up at the front in Australia. I got two podiums there last year but I didn't get a race win so that will be my goal – I'm fired up and ready to go."
Last year at the undulating Aussie track, Toseland secured two podium finishes the circuit is also a favourite of his HANNspree Ten Kate Honda team-mate Roberto Rolfo. The Italian rider picked up his highest points of the season with seventh and fifth positions at Phillip Island last year.
Rolfo is hoping to improve on a promising start to his season as he prepares for the Australian leg of the championship. After a good first race, clutch problems forced him to retire early from race two in Qatar. Despite this, the Italian is in a positive frame of mind and hopes to finish in the higher ranks in both races.
"I enjoy racing at Phillip Island – I have had some good results there so I am looking forward to the next round. Of course, I am hoping to do better than I did in Qatar," explained Rolfo, "The problems were out of my control and that was frustrating but I hope to do well in Phillip Island and put all that behind me. When we tested here in January my times got better each day so I'm quite confident about the circuit. I will just concentrate on improving my riding and do the best I possibly can for the team."
Team manager, Ronald Ten Kate is also feeling positive about the out come of the fast approaching race weekend. "Qatar was a great round for HANNspree Ten Kate Honda. James raced brilliantly and aside from the problems in the second race, Roby was riding very well and is still improving all the time. Phillip Island holds a lot of hope for us. Both riders did well here last year and also in the testing earlier this year, so we are quietly confident. I am of course hoping for more podium finishes –let's see what the weekend brings.