Josh Hook to race WorldSBK in 2016
Australia’s Josh Hook will join compatriot Josh Brookes in the 2016 FIM Motul Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK), with the Taree (NSW) native to join the Grillini Racing Team aboard the updated Kawasaki ZX-10R.
Hook will debut for Grillini at his home circuit, Victoria’s Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit, with the world season kick-off in Australia from February 26-28.
In a quirky twist of name, it will be the two Joshes – Hook and Brookes – that will lead a new era of Australian representation in WorldSBK, a decade on from the success of Australia’s two Troys – Bayliss (who like Hook, hailed from Taree) and Corser- in the 90’s and 00’s.
Like the Troys before them, the Joshes are both highly rated Aussies, and will bring a level of Australian competitiveness to the world championship not seen since Bayliss and Corser who last dominated when they sat first and second in the 2008 championship.
Hook, 22, will ride alongside Swiss rider Dominic Schmitter at Grillini Kawasaki, across a number of circuits which were familiar to him during his Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup campaigns in 2009 and 2010.
Hook then returned to Australia and won the 125 GP Aussie title in 2011 before joining the powerful Team Honda outfit from 2012-2014, competing across both the superbike and supersport categories.
In 2015 Hook raced in Japan, with his best result a second place in the iconic Suzuka 8-Hour world endurance race alongside Dominique Aegerter and Kyle Smith. Hook then deputised for the injured Aegerter in the final four Moto2 world title rounds, which included Phillip Island.
“It’s an amazing opportunity and I can’t thank Grillini Racing Team enough for making it possible,” said Hook. “It’s a new machine, championship and team for me but I’m looking forward to the challenge and I’m sure we can make good results with this package.”
Hook is now in Monaco in preparation for Grillini’s 2016 season launch, but the real business will begin when he starts testing the revamped ZX-10R, which has already been given glowing reports by factory Kawaski riders Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes. Rea is the current world champion.
Brookes recently announced that he would be making the switch from British superbike to WorldSBK in 2016, on a BMW S 1000 RR alongside former MotoGP rider Karel Abraham.
The 2016 WorldSBK grid also includes Yamaha pairing Sylvain Guintoli and Alex Lowes as the Japanese manufacturer makes a welcome comeback to the series, Ducati’s Chaz Davies and Davide Giugliano, while Spaniard Jordi Torres and rookie Markus Reiterberger will also be riding BMWs.
Hook, Brookes and all the WorldSBK stars will make their way to Philip Island on February 22-23 for the final pre-season test before round one commences a few days later, back at the spectacular Victorian grand prix circuit.
In 2016, the traditional double-header Sunday WorldSBK format will be jettisoned in favour of one world superbike race each day, with both 22-lappers at Phillip Island to be held at 3:00pm on February 27 and 28 respectively.
World Supersport will also return alongside a full program of support events for the domestic superbike, supersport, historic and moto3/125GP classes.
Tickets to round one of the FIM Motul Superbike World Championship at Phillip Island from February 26-28 are $115* for three days, $80* for a Sunday pass with kids 15 and under free**. And to make your WorldSBK adventure super affordable, consider camping at the circuit for just $100* per person for four nights, with kids 15 and under free** when accompanied by a paying adult. The circuit campground is situated above Southern Loop with views across the circuit to Bass Strait.
Book now at www.worldsbk.com.au or ring the ticket hotline today on 1 300 728 007
WorldSBK weekend schedule shake-up
For 2016, the FIM and Dorna WorldSBK Organization (DWO) have announced a shake-up to the traditional WorldSBK weekend scheduling.
After positive feedback and input from the WorldSBK Series Promotors, Circuits, Manufacturers, Sponsors, and TV Broadcasters, DWO has announced a new, revamped WorldSBK race weekend schedule.
Traditionally held on Sunday morning, Race 1 will now take place on Saturday afternoons, with definitive timetable changes aimed at creating a flexible time schedule for fan experiences to enjoy a more complete and exciting WorldSBK experience from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon.
In this new format, Saturday is aimed at offering increased fan attendance and especially the chance to feel the adrenaline of WorldSBK racing during the 3 day event. In addition, Organisers and Sponsors will be able to offer an even bigger selection of special events and shows, allowing fans to enjoy both on and off track action, in a way never previously possible.
These fundamental timetable changes will prove pivotal in getting WorldSBK fans closer to the action, both those in the grandstands and the millions watching live TV around the world.
With more flexibility afforded to the schedule, the new time slots will ensure that each and every fan is able to enjoy the best of the WorldSBK paddock, either at the track or at home.
Athletes and Teams will be more available with less timing constraints, whilst the new time slots will give more flexibility to Organizers to actively design and dedicate activities within each and every event, ensuring the proximity and engagement of Fans attending.
Free practice sessions and those timed for qualifying will now take place on Friday, an addition for 2016 will see also the FIM Supersport World Championship adopting the Superpole sessions format as like WorldSBK, which will take place on Saturday mornings, before the lights go out for the first WorldSBK Race 1 in the afternoon.
Sunday morning will be dedicated to Warm Up sessions before WorldSSP and WorldSBK kick off the racing action for the second time over the weekend giving fans a further opportunity to experience one of the most exciting and exhilarating motorcycle racing championships in the world.
Phillip Island WorldSBK Tickets on sale
Tickets on sale for Australia’s round of the 2016 Superbike World Championship – Feb 26-28, 2016
WorldSBK riders to hit centre stage from Saturday
A Bike-Racing Bonanza with 20% more racing on the agenda
That’s the promise from the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit as they plan next February 26-28’s world superbike opener with a bumper two-wheel speed fest that delivers nearly 20 percent more racing, and for the first time, a Saturday race for the world’s premier production bike category, world superbikes.
A ticket to the supers is the perfect Christmas gift at just $115* for a three-day pass; $80* for a Sunday only pass; with kids 15 and under free**. Throw in camping for up to four nights at the circuit, and your entire super long-weekend will cost only $215* for three-day event entry and a four-night camp spot!!
Book now at www.worldsbk.com.au or ring the ticket hotline today on 1 300 728 007.
In a fresh approach for February’s popular world supers, the traditional double-header Sunday format will be jettisoned in favour of one world superbike race each day, with both 22-lappers to be held at 3:00pm on February 27 and 28 respectively.
The revamped schedule means circuit goers won’t have to wait as long to get their first dose of world superbike action in 2016, and they will get to see their favourite riders — including Aussie motorcycle ace Josh Brookes, world champion Jonathan Rea and 2016’s new WorldSBK recruit Nicky Hayden — back at it the next day.
World Superbikes will still practice and qualify Friday and Saturday, but Superpole has been moved up to Saturday to run from 12.30pm prior to the 3:00pm Saturday race. Superpole will be as cut-throat as ever, with not only the aforementioned three riders in the mix but other stars such as 2014 world champion Sylvain Guintoli and his new Yamaha teammate Alex Lowes, Kawasaki’s pole supremo Tom Sykes, Ducati’s Chaz Davies, BMW rider Jordi Torres and Honda’s Michael van der Mark.
World supersport keeps its normal Sunday afternoon timeslot over 18 laps, but the popular Superpole format is also being adopted by the category. The cut-throat Superpole session will be held on Saturday from 1.30pm.
As well as the three world championship races, there will be a packed program of 12 support events over the weekend, with Australian superbike, Australian supersport and Australian 125GP/Moto 3 classes competing in three races per category (instead of the previous two for superbike and supersport) across Saturday and Sunday.
Each race is 10 laps and will also counts towards points in the opening round of the 2016 Australian Superbike and Phillip Island Championships.
The superbikes of yesteryear, historic bikes manufactured between 1973 and 1990 (aka period 5 and 6) return for 2016, and are set to pack a mean punch piloted by some of the retired greats. They’ll compete across three six-lap battles.
On-track action will begin at 8:30am on both days, and conclude at approximately 6:00pm on Saturday and 5:00pm on Sunday.
Check out www.ticketek.com.au for tickets to Australia’s 2016 FIM Motul Superbike World Championship, February 26-28, at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit with a three-day General Admission pass at $115* per adult, Sunday only 80* per adult, and kids 15 and under free**.
To make your world supers adventure super affordable, consider camping at the circuit for just $100* per person for four nights – with kids 15 and under free**, when accompanied by a paying adult. The circuit campground is situated above Southern Loop with views across the circuit to Bass Strait.
Alternatively, for hotel and rental house accommodation, visit http://visitbasscoast.com.au/region/phillip-island/
Tickets and camping are available from today at www.worldsbk.com.au or ring the ticket hotline on 1 300 728 007.
* advance ticket prices only, delivery and processing fees may apply.
**children must be accompanied by a paying adult
