Despite taking a point in the opening round of the World Superbike Championship last weekend, it was a tough season opener for Bradley Ray.

Ray headed down under for the first races of the 2024 season and his first fly away race in the WSBK championship.

He will certainly have learnt a lot over the weekend, that actually saw a lot of the Yamaha R1s struggle.

In race one, he got away and was doing well but had to take avoiding action to miss an accident, and on six laps he was taken out himself and finished in last place. As his race essentially became a data gathering exercise ahead of the rest of the weekend. 

Reflecting on race one, Ray said: “Today’s race was tough. I started really well but already on lap one, through turn 3, I had to close the throttle to avoid contact, and lost three positions.

“Then during lap six another rider then hit me, and I crashed. Luckily I was able to get back up and continue with the race, but was lying in last position. After the tyre change my pace was really strong though, and without the crash I’m sure I could have scored points. Hopefully, we have more luck in tomorrow’s races.

Sunday saw him finish ahead of Tarran Mackenzie in the Superpole race. The highlight of the weekend for Ray came, with a 15th place finish in race two. Taking the final points paying position

Speaking after the weekend, Ray said: “The day didn’t start well as although I made a good start in the Superpole Race I then crashed at turn 6. I finished the race but didn’t score a good result of course.

“In Race 2 I started strong but soon found myself dealing with premature front tyre wear that forced me to slow down and lose positions as a result. I was able to reach the points zone anyway, and that makes for a positive weekend overall. 

“I’m pleased with the path we’re on and confident as we look ahead to the next round in Catalunya. I want to thank the whole team for their hard work.”