World Superbikes: Brendan Roberts tests factory Ducati Superbike

Former British Superstock Champion Brendan Roberts has completed a successful two day test onboard a 2009 spec development Xerox Ducati Superbike at Mugello in Italy this week.

Roberts currently races for the Xerox Junior team in the Superstock 1000FIM cup held at World Superbike events onboard a 1098R. The 23-year-old Australian completed 50 laps on day one and a further 20 on day two after being forced to sit out a large part of the second day due to rain.

Roberts riding a 2009 specification development Ducati 1098 had a lot to learn having never ridden at the undulating Mugello circuit or a Ducati Superbike before.

Speaking to MCN from Italy, Roberts said: “I had two days on the bike and it all went pretty well. It’s a world apart from my Superstock bike in terms of the electronics and grip from the tyres and because it was the first time on the bike and the track I was starting from scratch.

“I didn’t really get to set the bike up to suit my style as it was more a case of working through things the team wanted me to test.”

There are currently no firm dates set for Roberts to test the bike again, but he admitted that he would love to ride the bike if Ducati wanted him to.

Roberts said: “It’s been a great opportunity. As for next year I don’t think this will have any bearing.

“The way I see it is that if I want to be considered for the ride next year I need to get results in the Superstock class and put myself forward that way.”

Troy Bayliss’ World Superbike team-mate Michel Fabrizio is carrying on where Roberts left off and is testing the bike today and tomorrow (Friday).