WSB: Jonathan Rea eases to the front at Jerez test

Jonathan Rea ended the two-day Jerez test on top despite only completing 19 laps across the two days. 

The five-time champion chose to avoid the rainy conditions on the opening day, whilst only making a brief appearance today. Although the sun came out in the morning, the late afternoon clouds brought more showers to the circuit. Rea’s quickest lap of 1:40.983 was +0.231s quicker than his nearest rival, Toprak Razgatlioglu. 

The Yamaha rider had led the majority of the day, before Rea’s appearance, and continues to impress on the R1. 

Scott Redding ensured that three different manufacturers graced the top three positions. The 2019 British Superbike champion was +0.424s off the pace set by Rea. 

Meanwhile, Alex Lowes continued his development on the ZX-10RR and, despite a crash, ended the day in fourth spot. Lowes was also busy working on his launch control settings. Michael van der Mark completes the top five on the second factory Yamaha. However, the Dutchman was +1.724 behind the leader. 

All eyes were once again on the brand-new Honda Fireblade, especially after Leon Haslam topped the timing sheets on the opening day. The 2018 BSB champion ended the second day in sixth, +1.814s behind Rea’s time. Having never ridden an in-line four-cylinder bike before, Alvaro Bautista continued his search for a good base setting. The Spaniard ended the day in eighth spot, meaning that both Honda riders are inside the top 10. 

Loris Baz was seventh for Ten Kate Racing Yamaha, making him the top independent rider. The Frenchman was also busy working on practice race starts and refining the R1’s electronics. 

Michael Ruben Rinaldi and Federico Caricasulo completed the top 10. It was a quiet day overall for the BMW duo of Tom Sykes and Eugene Laverty. Sykes finished just outside the top 10, whilst Laverty was down in 18th. 

The teams and riders now head to Portimao for another two-day test, which gets underway this Sunday (March 26). 

 

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WSB: Pre-season testing resumes with two-day visit to Jerez

First published: 12:28pm 20 January 2020 by Josh Close

Preparations for the 2020 World Superbike Championship resume this week with a two-day test at Jerez. 

The riders haven’t been out on track, in an official capacity, since the November test held at the same circuit. Reigning champion Jonathan Rea topped that test in dominating fashion. The Jerez test takes place on January 22-23 and is followed by another two-day test at Portimao on January 26-27. 

Who’s Going?

The biggest story heading into this week’s test is that Honda will be present with the brand-new Fireblade SP. The HRC-backed team chose to avoid the public test held at Jerez in November, instead heading to Aragon for a private test. No comment has been made on the success of that outing, however both Alvaro Bautista and Leon Haslam will be present this week. 

Fans will be keen to see whether the new Honda can compete with Kawasaki, Ducati and Yamaha – all of whom will be in Spain this week. Alex Lowes lines-up alongside Rea on the ZX-10RR this season and he’ll be looking forward to getting more laps under his belt following his switch from Yamaha. 

Yamaha were Rea’s nearest challengers in November. Toprak Razgatlioglu ended November’s test second overall after quickly finding his feet on R1. Loris Baz sprung a surprise on the Ten Kate Yamaha in November, beating Michael Van Der Mark to third overall. All three riders will be involved this week. 

Reigning BSB champion Scott Redding will be present, alongside Ducati teammate Chaz Davies. BMW are also in Spain with Tom Sykes and new recruit Eugene Laverty.

Leon Camier is continuing his recovery from shoulder surgery and will not be at Jerez. The Barni Racing rider crashed out of the Aragon test last November, only a few laps into his debut on the Ducati. He’ll be replaced by 2018 World Supersport Champion Sandro Cortese. 

Other confirmed riders include GRT Yamaha’s Federico Caricasulo and Garrett Gerloff, GoEleven Ducati’s Michael Ruben Rinaldi and Orelac Kawasaki’s Max Scheib. Sylvain Barrier will be present for Brixx Ducati, as will Leandro Mercado with the Motocorsa Ducati team.

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