Reigning WorldSBK Champion Jonathan Rea continues to impress with his ZX-10RR machine, as he completed the test at the Circuito de 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 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 on the final lap time left 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 recuperation following a big crash on Wednesday.
Leon Camier 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 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.
Official WorldSBK Times Day Five:
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
Full WorldSBK 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