Reigning Supersport champion Troy Herfoss continues to excel in his rookie Australian Superbike season, immediately on the pace at Symmons Plains in his first ride on the Team Suzuki GSX-R1000 at a circuit other than Phillip Island.

This weekend’s Tasmania round of the 2011 series marks Herfoss’ official Superbike debut on a tight and technical circuit, a major difference in bike set-up and riding technique compared to the fast and flowing nature of the Island.

“It was definitely a lot different – the bike just wheelstands so much and you can really feel the power that the Superbike has,” the talented 24-year-old said.

“The lines aren’t too much different to the 600 and I do know the track pretty well. Our speed isn’t quite there yet, but it’s pretty damn close and I’m really happy with how things are going.

“I’m looking forward to the race.”

Herfoss’ transition from Supersport to the premier class has been a smooth one, finishing on the podium with second last weekend at the season opener after qualifying on the front row in fourth.

Today, Herfoss was third quickest in the morning qualifying session, fifth in the afternoon and eventually cementing fifth on the grid in Superpole.

This weekend has also marked his debut on the ASBK Dunlop N-Tec control tyre after a special-spec tyre was in use at Phillip Island.

“I’ve just been trying not to rush into it, taking it one session at a time and not thinking about the races too early in the weekend,” he explained. “I started off this weekend struggling to do a low 55, then I got into the 54s, and then today I was in the 53s.

“It’s just small steps you need to take. Today I did a 54 again and I came in the pits, but then I thought, no I really need to get out there again and crack the 53s.

“I went into the hairpin a bit deeper and then tried to get on the gas earlier through the kink. It’s quite scary through there at first on the Superbike, so I just need to keep taking steps and remember its my first year.”

Herfoss’ best lap today during regular qualifying was just marginally slower than 2009 champion teammate Josh Waters, the pair separated by less than a tenth of a second.