The World Superbike Championship season opener at Phillip Island will see two less riders on the starting grid.

Supersonic Racing Team has already stated that they will miss the first overseas race and now Pro Ride World Racing Team has also announced that they too will start the season at Portimao, that is scheduled from March 26th to 28th.

While Supersonic’s decision was based on not having the Ducati bikes until the beginning of March, Pro Ride according to team manager Marco Nicotari is facing logistics problems and are still missing several elements in their team structure that will be completed in March, in time for the Portugal race: “Once again I had to take the decision that we shall miss Phillip Island round. Personally for me it’s a shame, cause it’s a track that I love, but as the responsible for this Team and a project, I have to think professionally, so once we are not ready at 100%, due to the late agreements, it is better to stay home one more month and prepare everything properly. We hope to be at Portimão at full gas.”

Makoto Tamada who will be racing for the team this year had this to say :“I have to be honest and say that I am disappointed that I cannot make the season opener in Phillip Island. I always enjoyed going to Australia and the people there has always been so supportive to me. However, I believe that Marco’s decision is right. We are a new team, and we didn’t have enough time. It is tough decision, but this decision should turn out for the best in the long run.”

Source | proride

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