The 2026 FIM Supersport World Championship's Official Australia Test is underway, with the first chequered flag signaling the start of the Australian Round. Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) took the lead in FP1, showcasing his prowess with a 1'32.541s time. The Spanish sophomore is on a mission to build on his 2025 third-place finish in the title race. Oli Bayliss (PTR Triumph Factory Racing), the home hero, impressed with a 1'32.885s time, just 0.344s off the pace. Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) rounded out the top three, further solidifying their potential for a strong weekend.
The session was a testament to the competitiveness of the field, with five riders within half a second of the top spot. Oncu, who joined forces with the renowned Ten Kate racing squad this offseason, secured fourth place with a 1'33.123s time, riding the second-most laps of all riders. Ondrej Vostatek, despite struggling with consistency in 2025, showed promise with a fifth-place finish, just 0.042s off the title favorite. Roberto Garcia (GMT94-YAMAHA) kicked off the top six with a 1'33.371s time, setting a strong tone for 2026.
The Italian Mattia Casadei (D34G WorldSSP Racing Team) faced a setback with a late crash, but still managed to secure seventh place with a 1'33.441s time. Josh Whatley (Orelac Racing VerdNatura), a newcomer to the grid, impressed with an eighth-place finish and a 1'33.470s time, marking a strong debut as a permanent grid rider. Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) continued the Triumph Street Triple 765 R's dominance with a ninth-place result, 0.142s off his compatriot, Whatley. Valentin Debise (ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing) completed the top ten, riding the brand-new ZXMOTO 820RR to an impressive tenth place with a 1'33.758s time.
The session wasn't without its incidents, as Leonardo Taccini (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) was the first to encounter gravel on Turn 6, but continued without issues. Filippo Farioli (VFT Racing) met a similar fate on Turn 9, causing a red flag due to debris on the track. Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) took a high-speed spill on Turn 11, requiring a visit to the Medical Centre, but was later given the all-clear. Mattia Casadei (D34G WorldSSP Racing Team) also encountered gravel on Turn 11 but quickly recovered.
The top six from FP1 of the Official Australia Test:
1. Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) - 1'32.541s
2. Oli Bayliss (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) - 1'32.885s
3. Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) - 1'32.991s
4. Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) - 1'33.123s
5. Ondrej Vostatek (Compos Racing Team) - 1'33.624s
6. Roberto Garcia (GMT94 Yamaha) - 1'33.830s
Stay tuned for more updates and video content, as well as full round coverage live and OnDemand with the WorldSBK VideoPass!
