Reigning MOTUL FIM Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) continues to impress with his ZX-10RR machine, as he completed the first winter test at the Spanish circuit of Jerez with a lap time over a second faster than the circuit record, as well as beating MotoGP™ bikes out on track. Uncatchable in Spain, the British rider is certainly heading into 2018 as the man to beat.
Able to work through his full testing regime with the Kawasaki Racing Team, Rea was so delighted with his pace in Andalusia that he finished the day early after setting the time of 1.37.986. Explaining:
“After a long hard season, my energy levels are quite low and we got through our checklist for the test and I’m so happy. But I’m looking forward to some rest, relaxation and getting ready for 2018!”
British team-mate Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) finished the day second fastest overall, with a lap time of 1.38.326s. Leaving the test with a spring in his step, the Yorkshire-born rider was thrilled with the set-up and pace found on the Ninja ZX-10RR, and with 71 laps put in, the final lap time saw Sykes happy heading into the winter break.
Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team duo of Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark had a positive week in southern Spain, as the duo began to work according to the 2018 regulations. British rider Lowes was particularly impressive with his lap times, ending the week with a 1.38.622 and running times competitively compared to the MotoGP™ riders. Van der Mark has been pleased with his testing plan so far, ending in the top seven overall.
Aruba.it Racing – Ducati rider Marco Melandri was able to work a lot on the new regulations and collected a lot of data for Ducati technicians to work on over the winter. Fastest on day four, he spent a lot of time out on track on the final day and clocked in 76 laps overall. His time of 1.39.577 was enough to put him in the top six, whilst team-mate Chaz Davies was at home recuperating following a big crash on Wednesday.
Leon Camier’s (Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team) first appearance on the Fireblade CBR1000RR SP2 was much anticipated, and he was able to deliver with some impressive performances over three days. His final time of 1.39.333 which he set on his final lap of the week boosted him into fourth position overall, leaving Jerez with a strong result into the winter.
Xavi Fores (BARNI Racing Team) continued to have a strong test as he awaits the 2018 parts for his Panigale, ending the test in fifth position overall, focusing heavily on his swing arm and weight into the rear. After re-signing for the satellite Ducati team, he has begun a strong testing regime and has been working with the new regulations.
The next major test for the world superbike contingent will be January 23-24 at Jerez. Then the teams pack up their wares and ship them to Australia’s Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit for the opening of the 2018 season at the Yamaha Finance round from February 23-25, 2018.
WorldSBK Day Five Times | |||
| 1. | Jonathan Rea | 1:37:986 | |
| 2. | Tom Sykes | 1:38:326 | +0.340 |
| 3. | Alex Lowes | 1:38:622 | +0.636 |
| 4. | Leon Camier | 1:39:333 | +1.347 |
| 5. | Xavi Fores | 1:39:384 | +1.318 |
| 6. | Marco Melandri | 1:39:577 | +1.591 |
| 7. | Michael van der Mark | 1:39:577 | +1.591 |
| 8. | Niccolo Canepa | 1:39:855 | +1.869 |
| 9. | Michael Ruben Rinaldi | 1:40.223 | +2.237 |
WorldSBK Full Combined Times | |||
| 1. | Jonathan Rea | 1:37:986 | |
| 2. | Tom Sykes | 1:38:326 | +0.340 |
| 3. | Alex Lowes | 1:38:622 | +0.636 |
| 4. | Leon Camier | 1:39:333 | +1.347 |
| 5. | Xavi Fores | 1:39:384 | +1.318 |
| 6. | Marco Melandri | 1:39:577 | +1.591 |
| 7. | Michael van der Mark | 1:39:577 | +1.591 |
| 8. | Niccolo Canepa | 1:39:855 | +1.869 |
| 9. | Michael Ruben Rinaldi | 1:40.223 | +2.237 |
| 10. | Loris Baz | 1:40:468 | +2.482 |
| 11. | Eugene Laverty | 1:40:551 | +2.565 |
| 12. | Jordi Torres | 1:40:595 | +2.609 |
| 13. | Chaz Davies | 1:40:630 | +2.630 |
| 14. | Lorenzo Savadori | 1:40.841 | +2.855 |
| 15. | Leandro Mercado | 1:41.034 | +3.048 |
| 16. | Yonny Hernandez | 1:41:476 | +3.490 |
Nothing Beats World Superbikes Live At The Island
From the flying fast Gardner Straight, to the high speed Stoner Corner, the climb out of Siberia to the thrill of Lukey Heights, being live at the Island is the best way to experience the World Superbikes.
World Superbikes is super affordable with a 3 Day General Admission ticket just $120*. In an absolute first for World Superbikes at the Island, all 3 Day ticket holders in 2018 gain FREE Paddock access.
Step it up a notch in Bar SBK for only $260 and capture all of the exhilarating action from the circuit’s optimum viewing locations or opt for a VIP Hospitality package.
And as always with World Superbikes Kids 15 & under are FREE**
Nothing beats World Superbikes…Live At The Island.
Book your tickets for the 2018 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, Yamaha Finance Round, Phillip Island, February 23 – 25 2018.
Book Your 2018 World Superbike Tickets Here
For more information contact the circuit on the toll free World Superbike Hotline 1300 728 007 or www.worldsbk.com.au
*All ticket prices quoted purchased in advance and subject to Ticketek processing fee.
**Children 15 and under are free and must be accompanied by a paying adult.
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