Second and last intercontinental trip for the Supersport World Championship which after last weeks Indonesian round, made a stop in Australia on the splendid Phillip Island circuit. It is already 2023 for the MV Agusta Reparto Corse team which on this occasion saw Marcel Schroetter alongside Niki Tuuli. For the German rider it was his ‘baptism’ on the F3800RC, and he was able to take advantage of this wild card to gain experience on the bike for next season. For Niki instead, it was his last weekend with the colors of the house from Varese. Tuuli used the first two practice sessions on Friday to devote himself to finding the ideal setting to perform at his best on a demanding and technical track like Phillip Island. Schroetter, on the other hand tried to do as many kilometers as possible on the track gradually increasing his pace as his feeling with the bike grew. Surprising performance for Marcel Schroetter, who managed to get an excellent sixth position in Superpole. Niki Tuuli on the other hand despite being conditioned by heavy flu and high temperature obtained a great tenth time. Race 1 was very unlucky for both of our riders. Tuuli had to stop at the end of the warm up lap due to a technical problem. Schroetter however, lost a few positions at the start and began to plan his own race, his first astride an MV Agusta. Unfortunately, after five laps Marcel was forced to retire after a crash in turn 5. Unfortunately Niki's physical condition didn't improve so the Finnish rider was forced to miss Race 2. Schroetter remained the only MV Agusta rider at the start, managing to honorably defend the colors of the Varese company despite it being his first dry race. The German had an excellent start then managed to catch up with the leading group around the middle of the race where he was battling for fourth position with Bulega and Montella. In the last part of the race Marcel managed the wear of the tyres and obtained a seventh final position. This was an excellent calling card for his debut in Supersport.
Niki Tuuli #66 - Superpole P10 / Race1 DNF / Race 2 DNS “We did a good job on Friday. We were fast and I could make good use of the bike. Unfortunately the rain forced us to revolutionize the setting and my high temperature didn't help me. But, we were equally fast and set a good time. The problem in Race1 didn't allow us to start, then my physical condition worsened and I wasn't able to be at the start of Race2. I thank the team for these two years together. I am proud to have been part of the MV Agusta Reparto Corse family.”
Marcel Schroetter #92 - Superpole P6 / Race1 DNF / Race 2 P7 “I immediately got on well with the bike, and with the slick tyres. I was able to start on the second row, in sixth position! And I honestly didn't expect it! The weather changed and I did my first laps with the Pirellis in the wet directly in Race1. Unfortunately I crashed in a right-hander where I had no feeling. But we tried! I'm happy with the progress in Race2, I had a good pace at the start and was even able to be fourth. I am excited for next season and I thank the MV Agusta Reparto Corse team for this opportunity”.