WSBK tests at Misano J1: Rea's fall, Ducati advantage

For the first of their two days of testing on the neighboring Tavullia circuit, the riders of the World Superbike Championship found their machines with undisguised pleasure. They rode on the track with the MotoGP, Ducati having rented the circuit for three days and then having distributed the categories present as best as possible. The weather was excellent on Wednesday for these drivers who were discovering the new asphalt.

For Alex Lowes, current leader of the World Championship, “It was frustrating not being able to run for so long. This week ? I feel like a child on Christmas Eve! In terms of work, we start from where we left off. First we need to find the right feeling with the bike and then indicate how to enjoy it. We also have to deal with a rather hot climate in Misano, but it is very important to try in these conditions too. »

According to Chaz Davies, “It’s really cool to work with the team again and be back on the racing bike. I missed it. The main thing is that it finally started again. We have new parts to test. To understand them, I need many tricks. But overall I feel comfortable on the bike. The only strange thing is that everyone in the booth is wearing masks. Everyone is happy to move on. The first few laps were a bit strange, I felt like a duck out of water. But this was also due to the fact that the track was freshly asphalted and our reference values were no longer correct. »

Participants in the Misano Superbike tests:

Kawasaki: Jonathan Rea, Alex Lowes

Aruba.it Ducati: Scott Redding, Chaz Davies

Barni Ducati: Leon Camier

Go Eleven Ducati: Michael Rinaldi

Brixx Ducati: Sylvain Barrier

Motocorsa Ducati: Leandro Mercado

Scott Redding was initially the fastest and ended the morning in first position. His compatriot Johnny Rea tried to beat him, but he fell, fortunately without seriousness.

Morning results:

Scott Redding (Ducati) 1'34.2

Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki) and Michael Rinaldi (Ducati) 1'34.5

Alex Lowes (Kawasaki) 1'34.9

Tati Mercado (Ducati) 1'35.1

Chaz Davies (Ducati) 1'35.3

Leon Camier (Ducati) 1'36.4

Sylvain Barrier (Ducati) 1'37.2

Reference times:

Test record: 1'33.640 by Tom Sykes (Kawasaki) in 2018

Lap record: 1'34.720 1 by Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki) in 2015

In the afternoon, Johnny Rea got back on the handlebars without damage after his fall. Scott Redding, very energetic on this first day for the Superbikes, retained first position until the checkered flag. Depending on the evolution of the ambient temperature and the grip, it is entirely possible that the Briton's best time will be improved on the last day, that is to say this Thursday.

The Kawasakis were not unworthy and offered good resistance to the Ducatis, although on one of their favorite circuits, not very far from the Bologna headquarters. The intention of the KRT men is to take care of the preparation of their ZX-10RR, twice victorious during the inaugural event at Phillip Island with Alex Lowes and Johnny Rea, and above all to adapt them to the strong heat as well as to the new coating.

First day of track action complete! ✅
What a feeling to come back to the circuits 🙌 pic.twitter.com/mneOrF13IP

— KRT WorldSBK (@KRT_WorldSBK) June 24, 2020