Reigning world champion Jonathan Rea and Australian star Josh Brookes have had radically different build-ups to the 2017 World Superbikes season.
Northern Irishman Rea is at the peak of his powers and is shooting to be the first rider to win a hat-trick of WorldSBK titles.
He has enjoyed another brilliant pre-season on his factory Kawasaki, which has included upstaging a bunch of MotoGP riders in a combined MotoGP/WorldSBK test last November at Jerez, and then setting the fastest time in the final practice session earlier this week at Phillip Island.
Brookes' build-up has been all hustle and bustle as he and a small band of tireless helpers have been scrambling to prepare for his wildcard appearance at Phillip Island on the Yamaha he rode to victory in the 2015 British superbike title.
"I love racing so much that I have poured my own money into this campaign," said Brookes.
"It has been a huge undertaking, but the excitement of racing was very much a drawcard. I hope we can leave Phillip Island with a smile on our faces."
It's a big change of scenery for Brookes, who this time last year was preparing for a return to WorldSBK full-time on a BMW.
However, it hadn't been a happy collaboration with the German hardware and the New South Welshman is heading back to British superbikes - but not before he attempts to give the factory riders a scare this weekend at Phillip Island.
"Our No.1 engine blew on Tuesday and this engine does not have the same top-end power as the other one, but it still drives off the corners really well so that's a bonus," Brookes said.
'Adopted Aussie' Rea - who is married to a Phillip Island local - is itching to hit the track.
"I am excited and happy to be back at Phillip Island," he said. "I spend a lot of the off-season here and it means a lot to me.
"This year, I reckon about five riders can win races week-in, week-out, so the racing is going to be intense."
Rea won both WorldSBK races last year at Phillip Island.
Marco Melandri (Ducati) and Eugene Laverty (Aprilia) are also desperate to return to WorldSBK on a strong footing, while Leon Camier (MV Agusta), Alex Lowes (Yamaha) and privateer Xavi Fores (Ducati) will also be contenders.
Practice and qualifying starts on Friday, with the two races on Saturday and Sunday.
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