WorldSBK stars speak ahead of Thai debut

The first ever WorldSBK event in Thailand began this afternoon with the official Press Conference involving Superbike riders Leon Haslam (Aprilia Racing Team – Red Devils), Sylvain Guintoli (Pata Honda World Superbike Team), Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team), Troy Bayliss (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati Superbike Team) and World Supersport contender Ratthapark Wilairot (CORE Motorsport Thailand).

The five riders were asked a series of questions ahead of the on-track action tomorrow and below are some of their answers.

Leon Haslam: “In Australia it was nice to get back to winning ways and was almost a perfect weekend in Australia. Looking ahead to the races here in Thailand I think that we can expect more riders to join the fight. The circuit looks very good and I can’t wait to get started.”

Sylvain Guintoli: “Australia was tough, I wasn’t fully fit but it could have been worse. My physical condition is much better here in Thailand and I hope to be able to run at the front.”

Tom Sykes: “I left Australia with more points than I have on many occasions so we are still in the fight. I don’t think that the weather will be a factor here, we are all strong and in Sepang last year it wasn’t an issue. I think that we can be closer to front guys here.”

Troy Bayliss: “I didn’t expect to ride again but I wasn’t fully happy with my results and with Davide still injured I am happy to have had a few more weeks to prepare more. I’m not sure what we can achieve but my target is to fight. Whether I will continue after the races on Sunday we will have to wait and see, at the moment nothing is decided and I am only focusing on this weekend.”

Ratthapark Wilairot: “For many years it has been only a dream but finally I get to race in front of my home fans. Phillip Island was a strong start for me and the team considering we have only just started to work together and the result was ok. Here in Thailand of course I will do my best to fight for the podium.

WSKB