First blood to Haslam in Valencia

Alstare Suzuki man Leon Haslam secured the fastest lap time on day one of the two day WSB test at Valencia. The 26 year old Brit used the latest specification rear tyre from Pirelli to post an impressive 1m 34.5s lap while boasting impressive consistency.

Speaking to MCN Haslam said: “I used one of the new tyres today. I did 16 laps on the tyre and my last lap was a 1m 34.8s which I’m really happy about. In the race this year my fastest lap was a 1m 35.3s and I was chasing down a place on the podium. For the first day of the test I’m happy and be fastest is mega. We’ve got more to try tomorrow and I think we can go faster.”

Italian Max Biaggi ended the day second fastest after completing 76 laps of the Spanish circuit. Onboard the factory Aprilia RSV4, Biaggi spent the day working on numerous set-up changes, the most significant being new specification Ohlins front forks.

James Toseland survived a crash this morning to set the third fastest time during his second appearance on the factory Yamaha superbike. Like Haslam and Biaggi, Toseland used the new spec Pirelli tyre with his best time coming this afternoon.

Jonathan Rea was the first rider not using the new tyre, but still managed to set an impressive 1m 34.9s lap time onboard his Ten Kate Honda. Rea suffered a small crash late this afternoon but was able to complete a successful test of new parts including swing arm, front forks and electronics.

Cal Crutchlow ended the day fifth fastest after spending the day revising seat, handlebar and seat position in an effort to get more comfortable on his Yamaha superbike. Like Rea, Crutchlow didn’t use the new rear tyre meaning that he has three of the new tyre at his disposal tomorrow.

Leon Camier spent the day experimenting with a new clutch setting, but made a break through late this afternoon when he tried the new tyre and a new rear suspension link.

The final day of testing gets underway at 10am Thursday morning. With dry sunny conditions forecast and more rubber being laid on track, lap times are expected to tumble into the 1m 33’s.

Unofficial Day one WSB lap times

Leon Haslam (Suzuki) 1m 34.5s
Max Biaggi (Aprilia) 1m 34.7s
James Toseland (Yamaha) 1m 34.8s
Jonathan Rea (Honda) 1m 34.9s
Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha) 1m 35.1s
Leon Camier (Aprilia) 1m 35.8s
Max Neukirchner (Honda) 1m 35.8s
Sylvan Guintoli (Suzuki) 1m 35.8s
Alex Hofmann (Aprilia test) 1m 35.8s

WSS
Kenan Sofuoglu (Honda) 1m 36.8s
Michel Pirro (Honda) 1m 37.1s