WSB times not slowed at Jerez test by new engine rules

World Superbike lap times do not appear to have been significantly affected by the new engine rules making their debut in 2015, with Jonathan Rea pushing the factory Kawasaki ZX-10R to a 1:41.327 lap time on the opening day of testing at Jerez.

That lap time would have left the Northern Irishman, fastest so far at the final European test of the winter, topping every session of the 2014 Jerez round bar Superpole.

The Kawasaki duo have dominated the day so far, and with three hours remaining on track on the first day of the two day test they sit one-two in the standings, with Sykes only 0.073 behind his new teammate despite a small crash for the Huddersfield native.

The Ducati duo of Davide Guigliano and Chaz Davies are also having a strong showing, sitting third and fourth, only 0.2 behind the Kawasakis.

However, not everyone is on track, with reigning world champion Sylvain Guintoli has been forced out of action after a crash early in the day. New Aprilia rider Leon Haslam has also had a slow start to the test, following technical issues on the Red Devils Roma machine.

Half way times, opening day

1. Jonathan Rea 1:41.327
2. Tom Sykes 1:41.400
3. Davide Guigliano 1:41.516
4. Chaz Davies 1:41.542
5. Alex Lowes 1:41.706
6. Sylvain Barrier 1:42.087
7. Jordi Torres 1:42.446
8. Randy de Puniet 1:42.591
9. Michael van der Mark 1:42.785
10. Nico Terol 1:43.102