WSBK Superbike Test Catalunya: A swingarm divides at Ducati

All the official Superbike teams were present for the private test two days on the “Circuito de Barcelona-Catalunya” (Spain), last weekend.

These tests, in the middle of the summer break, were used to decide on the developments ready for the second part of the championship, including for a new Pirelli front tire, but also to prepare for the round which will take place there on this Catalan track on 23-25 September. They were marked by the best time de Jonathan Rhea and by the accident suffered by Toprak Razgatlioğlu.

In the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, there were many questions waiting for answers, starting with the condition of the right hand ofAlvaro Bautista, swollen at Silverstone. This also included testing an advanced experimental version of the swingarm and a new link that was a little better for the life of the tires. If the link seems to have won over the two riders, the aluminum swingarm supposed to offer more grip at the rear divided them, Michael Rinaldi seeing it as a little extra,lvaro bautista nothing.

Day 1
P2 M. Rinaldi – 1’41.816 (+0.285) – 76 laps completed
P3 Á. Bautista – 1’42.211 (+0.680) – 84 laps completed

Second day
P3 Á. Bautista – 1’41.281 (+0.368) – 66 laps completed
P5 M. Rinaldi – 1’41.621 (+0.601) – 83 laps completed

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #19): “ I am satisfied with the work we did during these two days. It was important to get back on the bike after a three-week break. We have tried many solutions, some of which could be useful for the rest of the season. The swingarm is one of the things we tried here, but honestly couldn't find anything, it's exactly the same thing. Today we only did laps during the morning session, also because after yesterday's hard work it was important not to stress my hand too much. And if I have to be honest, the best news is that I didn't feel any pain today. Meet at Magny-Cours. »

Michael Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #21): “ We conclude these two days of testing knowing that we have carried out very intensive and productive work. We have tried new solutions with positive results, although only the data will tell us if we can use them this season. I tried the new swingarm and liked some of the features; I was able to find more grip on the sides, but you use a swing arm for the year. With my basic swingarm I already know the limits, so this one is different and being able to use it to its fullest is going to take some time. I'm very happy with the way things went yesterday: the feeling was immediately excellent. But I am also happy with today's session. We didn't concentrate on attacking the time, although in terms of race pace, we were incisive. We are going to France with great confidence. »