Biaggi takes 'dream' debut to Phillip Island.

Following his 'dream' World Superbike race debut last weekend in Qatar, when he finished first and second, former MotoGP star Max Biaggi is fired up for this weekend's Phillip Island round - but expects the competition to be tougher.

"Last week was unbelievable and very emotional," admitted Max, who switched to WSBK after sitting out the entire 2006 racing season. "It was a dream start to the series for me and I will always remember it. I enjoyed the racing much more then I had believed possible and wish I had discovered this series years ago. But now we're into the second race and I'm really looking forward to it. Like Qatar, Phillip Island is another circuit I've raced at before, so I will be expecting a good result."

The Roman is currently tied for the early 2007 world championship lead with Honda's James Toseland, after the Briton turned the tables on Biaggi to narrowly win race two in Qatar, but the Alstare Suzuki rider believes that Phillip Island - a circuit renowned for close racing and the home track of reigning double champion Troy Bayliss and former double champion Troy Corser - will be more than a two-horse race.

"Last week my main opponent was James Toseland, but at Phillip Island I think there will be more riders going for the wins," confirmed Biaggi. "I expect the competition to be tougher, but I aim to be right up with them at the end of both races."

Meanwhile, team-mate Yukio Kagayama was disappointed with his start to the season, netting 4-6 finishes in Qatar, and is determined to climb the podium this weekend.

"Not so good last weekend, but at least I didn't crash!" smiled Yuki. "I had some problems with my tyres and could not push as hard as I wanted. Phillip Island circuit is a track many riders like and it's good for the fans also. I hope to put my problems behind me and really attack the circuit. It is a fast, flowing circuit with many high speed turns - my kind of circuit! But you must know exactly what you are doing if you want to put in fast laps and that's what makes riding it so enjoyable. My aim, as always, is to get two podiums."

First qualifying at Phillip Island takes place on Friday.