WorldSBK rookie Alberto Surra revealed he will “assume nothing” is set ahead of his championship debut at Phillip Island.
Surra signed with the Motocorsa Ducati team to replace the departing Ryan Vickers after making his debut midway through the 2025 WorldSSP season.
After earning a promotion to WorldSBK for the 2026 campaign, Surra will be one of six rookies hoping to make his mark on the championship.
However, Surra’s development has been stunted after rain affected four days of testing in Jerez and Portimao, but the Italian admitted the difficult start to 2026 has made him more confident in wet conditions.
“It was a very good day for me and for the team,” Surra told WorldSBK.
“I improved a different electronic setting, and I’m very happy. My first test was very difficult because the Moto2 and Superbike are very different bikes, but I’m happy.”
“My feeling in the rainy conditions is very good. Now the next step is the test in Phillip Island, but I’m happy with the two days in Jerez and the two days in Portimao.”
Despite leaving his test program full of confidence, the Italian also admitted he needs more time to improve in the dry conditions.
“It’s important for me to ride the bike in the slick conditions and the setting, the bike only has settings for the slick conditions.”
“I have a good feeling. The Superbike is very different from the Moto2 bike because before it was a very complete bike with the engine braking in Moto2.
“But the feeling is good, I will be hoping to improve lap-by-lap [in Phillip Island].”
After completing his initial test programme, Surra will head to Australia for two further days of testing ahead of his debut race weekend at Phillip Island.
The Italian has already raced at the track once before and was “very excited” to make his first WorldSBK start at the iconic circuit.
When asked about his targets for his rookie season, Surra admitted: “Nothing. My first race in Phillip Island is an opportunity because it is only my first.
“I don’t have an objective or assume nothing before the season.”
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