BSB: Snetterton Test comes to a premature end to due wet conditions

The three-day Bennetts British Superbike test at Snetterton has been brought to a premature end following yet more bad weather in Norfolk.

The rain began to fall this morning as the teams and riders returned to the circuit for three more half-hour test sessions. Unfortunately, the conditions didn’t improve and with the temperature also low, the teams opted to pack up and go home – rather than risk any unnecessary crashes and the resulting costs and loss of data.

With the first day also being a washout, as well as the final session of day two, it means that the teams and riders have lost precious testing time ahead of the new campaign. The teams had plenty of items to try on their existing bikes, whilst several teams are bedding in the new BMW M1000 RR. FS-3 Kawasaki are also adapting to the all-new ZX-10RR.

There are only two single day official tests remaining: at Oulton Park on May 19 and at Donington Park on June 8. A very limited number of spectators will be able to attend those events, with tickets available now on each of the respected circuit’s websites.

As a result of today’s cancellation, Christian Iddon leaves Snetterton as the quickest rider on the combined standings. Tommy Bridewell and Danny Buchan complete the top three.

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BSB: Christian Iddon tops first day of action at the Snetterton Test

First published: 5 May 2021 by Josh Close

Christian Iddon was the fastest rider overall at the Snetterton Test on day two after the weather finally allowed for some track action.

The opening day of the three-day test was a washout and whilst the third and final session of day two was essentially cancelled due to more rain, the riders were still able to complete two full sessions.

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Iddon topped both of those sessions on the sole VisionTrack Ducati V4 R, posting a fastest lap-time of 1:49.162 in session two. Iddon’s teammate Josh Brookes isn’t riding at Snetterton due to the finger injury he picked up on the final day of the Silverstone Test.

Tommy Bridewell was the closest challenger to Iddon’s time. The fellow Ducati rider was 0.166s off the pace set by the leader. Danny Buchan completed the top three and it was another impressive day for those on the all-new BMW M1000RR.

Kyle Ryde (Rich Energy OMG Racing) and Peter Hickman (FHO Racing) were fourth and fifth respectively, with Glenn Irwin sixth on the Honda Fireblade. Andrew Irwin was just behind his brother on the SYNETIQ BMW, ahead of Xavi Fores – meaning that there were five BMW riders inside the top eight.

Ryan Vickers and Lee Jackson completed the top 10 on Kawasaki machinery, whilst Gino Rea was the leading Buildbase Suzuki rider in 11th.

The McAMS Yamaha duo of Jason O’Halloran and Tarran Mackenzie were 14th and 16th respectively today. O’Halloran missed the majority of the second session due to an unfavoured change to his R1, whilst Mackenzie had a crash during that session as well.

Dan Linfoot was one of only three riders to set their fastest time in the opening session of the day, finishing 18th on the combined standings. Joe Francis had a crash at Palmer in the second session and was taken to the medical centre as a result. Francis will not take part tomorrow (May 6) due to the damage to his BMW.

The BSB riders will have three more sessions on the final day – weather permitting – to test out new parts and setups. The Superbike sessions take place at 10:30, 12:35 and 15:00.