DesmoSport Ducati marks new era as ASBK '26 begins

The new look 2026 Australian Superbike Championship roars into life this weekend with DesmoSport Ducati returning fresh and focused with an expanded lineup across two classes. New recruit Anthony West has begun the process of adapting to the Ducati Panigale V4 R and so far the feedback has been very promising. West, backed by Elite Roads, will be joined on the superbike grid by Luca Durning. Durning has compiled some impressive results in the New Zealand Superbike Championship this year and could very well be the surprise packet of the field. Completing the team lineup on the Panigale V2 is South Australian Olly Simpson. Simpson has had to adapt his style to the Panigale V2 and similarly to West, is enthusiastic about potential results on the opening race weekend. The Phillip Island circuit is a favourite to all three riders with the twelve turn ocean-side layout a perennial fan pleaser, with the added traditional opening-round spectacle of competing alongside the Superbike World Championship.

DesmoSport Ducati Team Owner, Ben Henry: "This year marks a massive change for Desmosport Ducati - it's incredibly exciting to be partnering with Elite Roads to work with Anthony West. From the opening tests we can see that the potential is huge but these last few weeks have been hectic with three bikes to prepare, particularly with Luca being the only one with experience on the Ducati. There's been a lot of different settings to evaluate for Westy and Olly as they make themselves comfortable, but there's a defined process and I feel that by the time race day arrives, we will be fully prepared to give it everything. The team inside the garage is exactly where we need it to be; a potent combination and I can't wait to see how the weekend pans out!"

DesmoSport Ducati Rider, Anthony West: "Race day is almost here and I'd like to thank Deon at Elite Roads and Ben for the opportunity and bringing everything together. The last few weeks have been spent adapting to the Panigale V4 R, there are a lot of things to work out in a short space of time but I feel like we are going to be competitive straight up. My own expectations for this weekend are high, but I don't think that's unrealistic. We've got a great team around us and it's been unreal getting to know and work with Ben and Charlie. I can't wait to roll out of pit lane on Friday!"

DesmoSport Ducati Rider, Luca Durning: "Last year we made the bold decision to make the move to Superbike after spending most of the season in Next Gen Supersport. I was really pleased with my adaptation and then to top it off, we have had a great New Zealand Superbike series so far. I've taken my first race win and podium which has been so good for my confidence, now I'm bursting to get on track at Phillip Island!"

DesmoSport Ducati Rider, Olly Simpson: "Firstly, thanks so much to Ben and the Desmosport crew for the opportunity to race the Panigale V2! It really is a special race bike and although I have a great feeling with the bike already, we still have a little way to go to perfect the setup.

The competition will be strong in Next Gen this year, I can't wait to get started and go after that top spot!"

On-Track Superbike Schedule (AEST)

Superbike

Friday 

Free Practice 1 9:40 am (30 mins) 

Free Practice 2 2:10 pm (30 mins) 

Saturday 

Qualifying 8:05 am (30 mins) 

Race 1 12:00 pm (11 Laps) 

Sunday 

Race 2 9:45 am (11 Laps) 

Race 3 1:40 pm (11 Laps)

Next Gen Supersport

Friday 

Free Practice 1 9:10 am (25 mins) 

Qualifying 1:40 pm (20 mins) 

Saturday 

Race 1 9:25 am (10 Laps) 

Race 2 1:35 pm (10 Laps) 

Sunday 

Race 3 11:25 am (10 Laps)

Watch all the action:

Live TV / replay on SBS from 1:00pm Sunday 

Watch the Live Timing: www.computime.com.au

Image Credit: RBMotoLens

2026 Australian Superbike Championship

• Round 1: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC Feb 20-22
• Round 2: Sydney Motorsport Park, NSW Mar 27-28
• Round 3: The Bend Raceway, SA May 1-3
• Round 4: Morgan Park Raceway, QLD May 29-31
• Round 5: Queensland Raceway, QLD Jun 26-28