BSB: Bradley Ray and Kyle Ryde complete two-day Cartagena test

The Rich Energy OMG Racing team duo of Bradley Ray and Kyle Ryde have completed a two-day test in Spain onboard BSB-spec Yamaha YZF-R1s.

Ray and Ryde are preparing for their second seasons with OMG Racing; however, the team has swapped BMW machinery for Yamaha – with the team also receiving support from reigning champions, and factory Yamaha squad, McAMS Yamaha in 2022.

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For this introductory test in Cartagena, three Yamaha technicians, courtesy of McAMS Yamaha, joined the team to help with the set-up and characteristics of the R1 and to introduce the team’s mechanics to its intricacies.

Ray and Ryde, both of whom have previous Yamaha experience on an R6, spent Monday evening getting to grips with their seat and peg positions, with both commenting on the similarities between the R1 and R6 bikes.

The final session on Wednesday afternoon saw both riders post their fastest times of the test, after working with their crew and technicians to complete the testing plan.

“I’ve had an amazing time aboard the Yamaha R1, I’m feeling really at on home on it already,” Ray commented. “We’ve made a few changes across the test with the McAMS Yamaha technicians and my crew to help get the best out of me and the bike and I’m really happy with the progress we’ve made.

“I have to say a big thank you to the RICH Energy OMG Racing team for organising the test, to my crew for their hard work over the two days and the McAMS Yamaha technicians for their help and guidance. Roll on 2022!”

 

But the loud ones are better, right @kyleryde? ✊

Turn it up… for that unmistakable @YamahaRacingUK sound pic.twitter.com/ibFpktWq7n

— RICH Energy OMG Racing Yamaha (@OMGRacingUK) December 15, 2021

 

Ray has spent the last two seasons on BMW machinery, both onboard the S1000 RR and M1000 RR Superbikes. Whilst 2020 proved to be extremely difficult for all BMW riders, Ray did manage to score two podiums on the new M bike in 2021.

Meanwhile, the change to Yamaha will be Ryde’s third manufacturer in three years. Ray moved into the Superbike class with Buildbase Suzuki in 2020, with a sensational double victory at Silverstone being the highlight./p>

2021 proved to be much trickier for Ryde, who failed to build upon such an impressive debut on the BMW. Ryde recorded one podium last season, in the wet conditions at Donington Park.

“I loved every minute of being back on a Yamaha, it’s put a big smile back on my face after a tough season,” Ryde said. “The Yamaha R1 has been faultless and the McAMS Yamaha technicians were a great addition to the test to help me get comfortable, so thank you to them. We made some good changes across the test, and it’s given me a real boost ahead of next season.

“Both Brad and I are excited for next season already and it can’t come soon enough. Thank you to the RICH Energy OMG Racing Yamaha team for putting the test on and to my crew for how much work they had to do to keep me out there.”

Plenty of eyes will be on the OMG Racing team next year given the success of the R1 this year. In the hands of new champion Tarran Mackenzie and third-placed Jason O’Halloran, the R1 won 21 races and secured 41 podiums.

“It’s been a great test and it’s so good to see the riders smiling and enjoying their riding so soon after riding the Yamaha R1,” team boss Paul Curran added. “Thank you to Steve Rodgers at McAMS Yamaha for his help in allowing his technicians to join the test, they’ve been exceptional in their time with us. We’re all excited for 2022 and the opening test at Silverstone.”