Corser sizzles at Island
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2006 11:32 pmCorser sizzles at Island
Fri 20 Jan, 4.38pm
Australian Troy Corser has scorched the Phillip Island track with his Suzuki in a crucial pre-season test.
Corser, the defending World Superbike champion, recorded a best lap time of 1min 32.89sec, almost a second quicker than the time set by compatriot Steve Martin on a Foggy Petronas.
Corser is excited by his times recorded in the four-day session on the track, and unlike a bad tradesman blaming his tools, his confidence of a title defence has grown with the new tyres and improved engine of his Suzuki.
"We did a full race simulation on my 2006 Suzuki, and over 22 laps, I was over 30 seconds faster over last year's race time," Corser told AAP.
"That is nearly a second a lap faster than my lap times last year, so I am very happy.
"I'm really racing against our own clock, but you have to be happy with consistent 1.33s.
"I am lapping faster than what we did in qualifying last year, on race rubber, so it is a good sign," he said.
"I am a lot more comfortable on the new Pirellis, I'd say there is half second there with the tyres, with better grip - and the rubber is lasting, from the first to the 17th lap, there was only 2/10ths of a second difference.
"And then my Suzuki's engine is definitely stronger, more horsepower, there's a different power curve and I am happier with it," Corser said.
"It just accelerates harder, faster and its a bit easier to ride.
"It has been really worthwhile to do the full race test, we've now done a race, before a race."
Fri 20 Jan, 4.38pm
Australian Troy Corser has scorched the Phillip Island track with his Suzuki in a crucial pre-season test.
Corser, the defending World Superbike champion, recorded a best lap time of 1min 32.89sec, almost a second quicker than the time set by compatriot Steve Martin on a Foggy Petronas.
Corser is excited by his times recorded in the four-day session on the track, and unlike a bad tradesman blaming his tools, his confidence of a title defence has grown with the new tyres and improved engine of his Suzuki.
"We did a full race simulation on my 2006 Suzuki, and over 22 laps, I was over 30 seconds faster over last year's race time," Corser told AAP.
"That is nearly a second a lap faster than my lap times last year, so I am very happy.
"I'm really racing against our own clock, but you have to be happy with consistent 1.33s.
"I am lapping faster than what we did in qualifying last year, on race rubber, so it is a good sign," he said.
"I am a lot more comfortable on the new Pirellis, I'd say there is half second there with the tyres, with better grip - and the rubber is lasting, from the first to the 17th lap, there was only 2/10ths of a second difference.
"And then my Suzuki's engine is definitely stronger, more horsepower, there's a different power curve and I am happier with it," Corser said.
"It just accelerates harder, faster and its a bit easier to ride.
"It has been really worthwhile to do the full race test, we've now done a race, before a race."
....either will do! 
Go all the aussies!!