WSBK Superbike: Fog doesn't stop Redding and Rinaldi at Misano

De Pierpaolo Franceschini / Corsedimoto.com

Superbike test day at Misano: Redding, Rinaldi and Rabat were on track. Despite the fog, the first kilometers are completed for Ducati.

Superbike returns to the track after an unfortunate month of January which saw the first tests of the season at Jerez partially cancelled. After the storm that hit Jerez de la Frontera, Ducati returned to the track in Misano, but without Chaz Davies nor Team Go Eleven. Restrictions due to Covid-19 did not allow all members of the Piedmontese team to be present, opting for a new postponement in order to avoid “wasting” a day of testing.

Michael Ruben Rinaldi et Scott Redding took to the asphalt for the official Ducati Aruba team, while the Barni Racing Team was able to witness the debut of Tito Rabat. For the Spaniard, a former Moto2 champion, it was the opportunity to make his debut on a motorcycle derived from the series after Jerez was postponed due to bad weather. Foggy weather at Misano was also a threat, and the Superbike riders were greeted by fog, making the worst possible predictions come true. This time, however, everything went well as the day went on when all the riders were finally able to ride their Panigale.

Ultimately, Scott Redding et Michael Ruben Rinaldi both had their work cut out for them and put in a lot of miles. The British driver completed no less than 70 laps, while the Italian centaur lined up 53, both looking for the right feeling to start the season in the best possible way. We don't know what the timing references are, but the two drivers directly involved comment with satisfaction on this day of testing, both happy to be back on the track again.

“The first day with the 2021 bike went well”, said Scott Redding. « We found a lot of fog when we arrived this morning and thought we wouldn't be able to ride. Fortunately, conditions improved during the day and we were able to try something”. Finding the feeling again with the Ducati was important: “I'm really happy, both for myself and for the team. I felt the adrenaline flowing through me again and the sensations on the bike are good. Plus, there were a few things to try and we managed to do it. I think it's a good thing for everyone that we were able to get on track at Misano today.". His mind is already on the future, with another test in March: « We will come back here another day and hope to find good weather conditions. Now it’s time to return to training and be ready for the start of the season.”

Michael Ruben Rinaldi was also happy: « I am happy with this first day of testing this year. Unfortunately, the weather conditions weren't very good, but we still managed to do a few laps of the track.” In addition to the fog, temperatures had to be taken into account: « It was a bit cold and the asphalt didn't offer much grip. We were careful and just tried to go a few miles to figure some things out. We focused on improving the feeling on the bike, even it is difficult to reach the limit in these conditions”. The positive feelings nevertheless remain: « Getting back on the bike was good, I really wanted to get back on the bike, but we will have to wait a bit. I am happy with the work accomplished with the team and the whole team.”

Read the original article on Corsedimoto.com

Pierpaolo Franceschini