The 2025 Australian World Superbike Championship commenced this weekend at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, featuring high stakes and remarkable performances from both veteran riders and newcomers. Notably, Thetford’s Ryan Vickers made his long-awaited debut with Motocorsa Racing, transitioning from the British Superbike Championship after finishing fifth last season.
Vickers, at just 26, reflected on his first impressions of Phillip Island, declaring, "I've been lucky enough to ride the track and do some testing. It's a super-fast track and suits my riding style – so I'm really happy so far. What a place to make my debut in World Superbikes." His excitement was palpable, as this race marks not just career progression, but also requires him to leave his family home for the first time as he settles down in an apartment close to his team base in Italy.
While many eyes were on Vickers, Italian rider Nicolo Bulega was the star of the opening events, continuing his strong form from the offseason by dominating both practice sessions. Bulega clocked impressive times, leading the final practice session with a lap of 1'28.903. Razgatlioglu and Bautista weren't far behind him, typically finishing second and third respectively.
“I still have a good feeling, but the track temperature was higher, which made it tougher. I had to adapt my riding style after realizing I couldn’t get as much grip,” Bulega explained. His ability to adapt to the track’s conditions indicates his readiness as he aims to clinch the championship title.
The event unfolded under favorable weather conditions, with temperatures reaching 32°C, providing the riders with excellent racing conditions. This competitive environment replaced the absence of multiple riders, including Jonathan Rea, who suffered serious injuries during preseason testing.
The opening race saw Bulega maintaining his form, and by the end of Race 1, he had repeated his successful finish from the previous year. Despite the race's complexity, marked by the flag-to-flag rules requiring pit stops, Bulega managed to execute his strategy effectively as he took the checkered flag. "Nothing is certain in life, so we will see," noted Bulega, projecting confidence for future rounds but maintaining humility about the challenges of Superbike racing.
Race 1 Results: Bulega led the charge, securing victory, followed closely by Razgatlioglu and Bautista. Razgatlioglu revealed he faced difficulties ensuring his bike was competitive under new configurations compared to last season. “I knew I had to fight for every position,” he stated, acknowledging the added pressure from his rivals.
Vickers, though finishing at 16th, gained valuable experience as this was his first time racing on the Phillip Island circuit. He was optimistic about his chances for improvement across the championship. Comparing his earlier standings, he said, "There's no expectations - only to progress. The team want me to learn and absorb things."
Back to Bulega, who dominated the qualifier before setting the pole position with his best lap being 1'28.824. “It’s always about pushing the limits,” he said. Even with his podium finish and pole position, Bulega expressed discomfort with the flag-to-flag rules, particularly the narrow pit lane at Phillip Island. "It's dangerous for me and for them,” he remarked, implying the necessity for precision not only from himself but also from his team and competitors.
The conditions during the races provided some drama as well. This included crashes and discussions on tire strategies leading up to the leading laps. Vickers’ debut, under these conditions, places him at the start of what may be a significant chapter for his racing career.
At the end of this round, teams and riders will regroup to analyze their time and positioning heading to the next venue, aiming at optimizing performance under various conditions, similar to the challenges faced this weekend. “I’ve got to keep pushing to find my pace, and learn more about my bike,” Vickers stated, solidifying his pursuit of growth on the world stage.
This weekend at Phillip Island not only showcased thrilling races but also highlighted the constant evolution of Superbike racing technology and talent. With the 2025 season just beginning, fans can look forward to more exhilarating races as the championship progresses. Each rider, including newcomers like Vickers and seasoned pros like Bulega, aims to capture the next round as they refine their strategies and experiences.