WSBK Test Jerez: conclusions of the drivers

With a time of 1'38.397, Jonathan Rea and his Kawasaki surprised, because this performance would have given them the 13th time in the MotoGP tests which took place three days previously at the Jerez Ángel Nieto Circuit. Few expected the rider of a series-derived motorcycle to beat eleven MotoGP prototype riders. The best time, achieved by Maverick Viñales, was then 1'37.131.

Here are the points of view of different protagonists who participated in these two days of Andalusian tests, and we will meet most of them for new tests on January 22 and 23 in Jerez, then on January 26 and 27 in Portimão, then finally in Phillip Island on February 24 and 25.

Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki / 1st):

“Overall it was pretty good. I had good motivation for this test. Normally at the end of a busy season it's easy to get lost, but we focus on quality over quantity. We did a lot of back-to-back tries of things we had been thinking about trying over the year. Then we tested new elements and new ideas. The most important thing is that I got used to the rear brake lever on the handlebars and also got used to the riding position on the bike, as well as a different engine brake. Apart from that, Pirelli brought different tires. In the end we were able to attack on a lap with a qualifying tire, which put us on the right track. It was difficult, because a few hours before the end of the session there was oil everywhere in the first corner. The track was a little compromised, but I still feel like we did a very good job during this test, both in terms of pace and consistency. We are where we should be and I’m really happy to sign on for an incredible 2019 season.”

Video: Johnny Rea

 

Johnny Rea

Loris Baz (Yamaha / 2):

“We tested a lot of things on Thursday. We only had the 2019 motorcycle available for this test. Since the differences compared to the new motorcycle will not be so big, we were able to gain valuable experience. We will have the new R1 in time for the next test in Jerez in January, because even the Yamaha factory team is still partly working with the old equipment. We tried a new fairing very similar to that of next season. Otherwise, we worked with current material, which we will certainly also use in the new season. »

At Yamaha, alone Niccolò Canepa was riding the 2020 model, explained Andrea Dosoli, Superbike manager : “It drives the basis from which we will develop next year’s factory machine. Michael and Toprak have new components on their bikes – like the new fairing – which we call model 19.5. The engine is different, hopefully it will allow us to progress and be more efficient. The new fairing is more aerodynamic. We believe the new motorcycle has the potential to improve its performance. We are happy to already be at the same level as before with the new bike. »

Loris Baz

Michael van der Mark (Yamaha / 3):

“Usually, after a test, everyone says it’s positive. But we really had a perfect day on Thursday and we made some progress. We wanted to improve the feeling on the rear wheel and we had some ideas, but in the end Öhlins brought a new shock which helped us. We still have a lot of work to do, but this change makes it easier for me. We can also spare the rear tire over the race distance. If we improve some minor details on the engine, we can be satisfied. The new fairing gives me a huge advantage as a tall rider because I feel better protected from the wind. The fact that I have less wind also gives us a small advantage for maximum speed, which will be very important. »

Michael van der Mark

Alex Lowes (Kawasaki / 4):

“The test was very positive because I had very good feelings with the bike. After the Aragon test we wanted to work on braking because the way I rode on my old bike was a bit different. But from the first laps we made a big step and today I felt very comfortable with the braking. That really makes me happy. We did some longer runs today and I was able to maintain a good steady pace, which was another really good thing. Obviously in the end I crashed using a qualifying tire, but that was just a small detail. I instantly had a good connection with all the mechanics and working with Marcel is really easy. It was really nice to be here with two good days and nice weather. »

alex lowes

Alex Lowes and Marcel Duinker

Scott Redding (Ducati / 5):

“Today we tried to find a little more grip at the rear, something I have struggled to do here in Jerez since yesterday, and thanks to the work of the guys in the team we Finally found something that helped a lot. We're still not where we'd like to be, but we're making progress. In addition to testing the new tires brought by Pirelli, we managed to work a little more with the electronics, which are completely new to me in Superbike. In general I was very happy at the end of the test, it's good to have this connection between me and the Panigale V4 R and to know in which direction to work for the 2020 season.

Scott Redding

Tom Sykes (BMW / 6):

“I think we had a very good test and I would like to thank the whole BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team. We had a long list to review. I am very satisfied with what we have accomplished. We really tried a lot of things on the BMW S 1000 RR, we definitely made progress and for me now I can start the winter happy with our performance. The bike was working well and obviously we tried the qualifying tire at the end. It was amazing, but after two strong sectors I unfortunately made a small mistake in the hairpin and fell. But I was interested in the feeling of grip of the bike and also did another lap after the crash. For me it was a good thing because we have additional information for the winter and the guys can continue working. So it was a good test with consistent runway to work on a very big roster and that's what we needed all season. Thanks to the whole team and guys at the factory for working so hard to make things possible. I think the decision to skip the Aragón test paid off because it was a very structured test and we did very well. »

Tom Sykes

Toprak Razgatlioglu (Yamaha / 7):

“The test at MotorLand was not easy because the team and the bike were new to me. But I had a very good feeling with the bike from the start because it's very easy to swing from one side to the other. It was very different from the Kawasaki. With the Yamaha I can also make much better use of the extra grip from the qualifying tire. But I need more laps because I have to adapt the bike to myself better. I still can't brake the way I want. »

Toprak took his crew chief Phil Marron from Puccetti Kawasaki to Pata Yamaha. “The boys can interpret my comments well. We have already tested new parts for 2020, and we need to improve the suspension elements in particular. I'm happy so far, it was a good test. Michael and I wanted the same things. »

Toprak Razgatlioglu and Loris Baz

Chaz Davies (Ducati / 9):

“It was a very busy two days, and I'm pretty happy with it overall. We had some new parts to test, but mostly we tried to find a good basic setting. I think we learned a few things, working on the rear of the bike to help with weight transfer, something we improved on at this track. Now it will be good for me and the team to take a break and recharge our batteries, but it won't be long before we want to compete again next season. »

Chaz Davies

Xavi Forés (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing / 11):

“These two days were positive. I improved my feelings over the laps. I felt a lot better and more comfortable on the bike on Friday and I improved a lot compared to the first day of testing. I learned that the Kawasaki is a very sensitive motorcycle and it reacts very differently from the motorcycles I rode before. I have to adjust my driving style a little to improve the sensations. Unfortunately, we weren't able to ride as much as we wanted on Friday because we had some problems with the braking system. At the end of the day, we improved our lap time and made significant progress. In January we want to start from this base and continue to grow. We want to test as often as possible to be perfectly prepared for the season. My first impressions with the Kawasaki are definitely very positive. »

Xavi Fores

Photos © Yamaha, Kawasaki, worldsbk.com / Dorna, Alvaro Rivero for Circuito de Jerez Ángel Nieto, Puccetti Racing

Partial sources © Speedweek. com