Philipp Öttl was in the top 7 at the WSBK opener in Australia

(Motorsport-Total.com) – GoEleven Ducati rider Philipp Öttl had a good Friday at the Superbike World Championship in Phillip Island (Australia). The German finished both practice sessions in the top 7 and came within 0.869s of Jonathan Rea’s (Kawasaki) best time in the second practice session.

On Thursday, Öttl didn’t know if he would even be able to drive in the season finale. The former Grand Prix driver had to be tested several times. But those responsible freed Öttl. The good result surprised Öttl and his team. Öttl was even better as a result of the fact that he didn’t have new tires fitted for the final time chase.

“I’m very happy with today’s performance. Yesterday I didn’t even know if I was fit enough to drive. Today was a really good day for me,” said a happy Öttl. “I have to thank the physiotherapist from Bonovo and the people from Clinica Mobile. The treatments have helped me a lot. They will have me at the weekend.”

Öttl is still not fully fit. A fall at a WSBK event in Indonesia continues to cause neck and lower back pain. But despite the limitations, Öttl was able to work constructively and was ready for the races.

“We built a good system. We still need to improve in the braking zones. But I think we have built a good base for Saturday. I was strong in both practice sessions and very good on the bike. Let’s hope. A dry race. But we have to fight in all conditions,” he said. German said.