Suzuki eyes 2018 ASBK title

Suzuki has announced it will defending its Australian Superbike Championship crown with a two-rider team in 2018.

Team Suzuki ECSTAR will comprise defending champion Josh Waters and newcomer Markus Chiodo, with both riders taking the to track in the Superbike class aboard Suzuki GSX-R1000s tuned by Phil Tainton Racing.

Last year was a fairy tale season for the newly formed team, with Waters taking five race wins to secure the title and his third Superbike championship.

"Last year was unbelievable; to return home and go racing with a completely new team and motorcycle and to be able to win the championship definitely exceeded our expectations," Waters said.

"I'm really looking forward to defending the title on my Team Suzuki ECSTAR Australia GSX-R1000R – it's not going to be easy but we're looking forward to the challenge and hopefully we'll come away being the first rider to win four premier class titles."

After a series of strong performances in the Supersport class last year, Markus Chiodo will bring youth, enthusiasm and exciting new talent to the expanding team.

"I'm really excited to make my Superbike class debut this year with Team Suzuki ECSTAR Australia," Chiodo said.

"It's going to be a steep learning curve for sure, but I have a great team behind me, the current champion as a teammate and the best motorcycle out there – I can't wait to get the season started!"

The team is now busily preparing for the championship's official pre-season test session, to be held at Victoria's Phillip Island circuit over January 30-31.

Related reading:
Waters wins his third Aussie Superbike title
Herfoss returns to ASBK lead