Garrett Gerloff and his Kawasaki WorldSBK Team enjoyed two days of dry track conditions at the official pre-season DWO test at Phillip Island in Australia. On the 2026-spec Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR, Garrett was eventually tenth fastest after four long track sessions spent riding alongside almost all of his 2026 rivals.
Things started very brightly at the 4.445km-long circuit near the extreme south coast of the Australian mainland, and Garrett ended his first day fifth fastest. Weather conditions at previous tests had been far from ideal, so the long periods of dry weather at ‘PI’ were particularly valuable for all involved.
After the final two track sessions on Tuesday 17 February, Gerloff would finish up with the tenth fastest single lap time overall, and a good feeling with his machine and team.
As the testing season finishes, the racing will soon get underway. The 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship season begins on 20 February, with two free practice sessions for the WorldSBK riders. Race days will be on 21 and 22 February, with one race on Saturday and two on Sunday.
Manuel Puccetti
“The Superbike team has had two good days, and Garrett maintained top five pace. Both he and the team have worked really well, and today’s crash had no serious consequences but did prevent us from finishing with a better position. This test leaves us optimistic ahead of the race weekend”.
Garrett Gerloff
“This is really the first test we have had all year because the previous two, in Portugal and Spain, were basically rained out the entire time. I am really impressed with my whole crew and the job that they have been able to do here. After almost no testing, then to arrive here and find – immediately – that I had a good feeling with the bike, it speaks a lot about the guys I have around me. Yesterday I was happy to finish fifth and today I think I finished up tenth, but I think I am in a good position. I have felt consistent and I feel good with race tyres. I’m looking forward to having two days of recovery and then starting the first race weekend of the season.”
