The Jerez Circuit in Spain has staged a two-day test, in which the Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team participated with its riders Tito Rabat and Bahattin Sofuoglu, both making their debut with Sandro Carusi’s team and with the YZF R1.
On day one, a dry track allowed the technicians to work on bike set-up and the riders to build confidence with both their R1 machines and the Italian squad’s work method. The lap times gradually came down and by the end of day one, Sofuoglu had set a best of 1’41”296, while Rabat put in a 1’41”591.
Rain conditioned the second day and so, considering that the regulation limits the number of test days available, the team decided not to take to the wet track, instead using the time to analyse the collected data and plan their next test, scheduled to take place on 28-29 January at Portimão in Portugal.
"Yesterday was very important, allowing us to understand how the riders might adapt to our R1 bikes. Both found good feeling very quickly and that gives me confidence. It’s a pity the rain put paid to our plans on day two, but we’ll be able to make up the time next week at Portimao.”
“The rain meant we were only able to test on one day, but it was nevertheless important and useful. Yesterday I was able to ride at a consistently fast pace, in the 1’41s, even with used tyres. We weren’t going all out for fast times, and we didn’t use soft tyres. I immediately got on well with the team and the bike, which is very positive. I can’t wait to get back on track with my R1 at Portimao in a few days’ time.”
“Day one was positive, and we were able to work well on our bike, while today rain kept us in the garage. Things went even better than expected yesterday actually, and both me and the team are very happy with the start we’ve made. Our technicians did a great job. I soon found a good riding position and so we could work a lot on set-up and on the electronics. Today we decided not to ride, and me and the team looked at the data of the other Yamaha riders, also in order to plan the work for the next test at Portimao.”
