Tyler Hopper

AllAboutBikes Staff-Writer

Nuriyuki Haga and Ben Spies took part in an epic duel at the last World Superbike race in Phillip Island. It seems they are getting others involved, as the next race at the Losail Circuit in Qatar may end up as a three-way tag team match between Yamaha, Ducati, and Aprilia.  Although the riders representing Ducati are from different racing teams, a victory for the manufacturer would be a proud moment for fans and enthusiasts alike.

On the opening day of qualifying in Qatar, Yamaha World Superbike rider Ben Spies ended the first session nearly one second faster than all of his opponents, with the exception of Hannspree Ten Kate Honda rider Jonathan Rea.

Days later, Spies sits at the top of the Superbike Superpole with a time of 1’57.280.  Rea, now sitting in the 17th seat in the Superpole, seems to have lost the momentum from day one where he was just three-tenths behind Spies.  

The top six positions in the Superpole are shared by Yamaha, Ducati, and Aprilia.  The first row consists of Yamaha World Superbike rider Ben Spies, Guandalini Racing rider Jakub Smrz, Aprilia Racing rider Max Biaggi, and Ducati Xerox team rider Nuriyuki Haga.  Two of the riders lining up directly behind them are Yamaha World Superbike rider Tom Sykes, and Aprilia Racing rider Shinya Nakano.

The race Saturday in Qatar will surely test the ability of these six riders, as well as the machines on which they ride.  Don’t rule out any of the other racers on Saturday though, anything can happen on race day.  A good indication of this is the performance of Jonathan Rea on day one in Qatar.  He was the second fastest rider, yet he ended up 17th in the Superpole.  Any slight misjudgment can cost a rider the race.