WorldSSP 2026 1 2026-02-20 2026-02-20 The final preparation for the 2026 World Supersport season opener concludes at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. The primary challenge for the 10-minute Sunday morning session is the rapidly changing track temperature and the threat of coastal winds off the Bass Strait, which can significantly impact the stability of the middleweight machines through high-speed sections like the Hayshed. The objective for the riders is to verify the technical adjustments made overnight and ensure their tires are ready for the grueling 18-lap race ahead. Strategically, the morning Warm Up is used to confirm "race-ready" engine maps and electronic settings. The goal for Jaume Masia is to maintain the dominance he showed in Race 1, while the rest of the field, led by Philipp Oettl and Oli Bayliss, looks to find the extra tenths needed to bridge the gap to the front-running Ducati. The tactical focus for the AS BLU CRU Racing Team and Albert Arenas is to finalize tire choices, as the unpredictable Victorian weather often forces late decisions on the starting grid. With the track conditions at their most stable, the ultimate goal for the elite field is to establish a solid rhythm and build confidence for the final battle of the Australian Round. 2464683