WSBK – WSBK 2016: first tests for Guintoli and company – Blacks and whites in Vallelunga

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WSBK 2016: first tests for Guintoli and company

WSBK - WSBK 2016: first tests for Guintoli and company - Blacks and whites in Vallelunga

The 2016 World Superbike season begins in Australia in just one month and a few teams have already returned to work: Yamaha Pata and Ducati Aruba in Portimao, BMW Althea in Vallelunga. Testing intensifies this week in Jerez… Motors, action !

Blacks and whites in Vallelunga

While the official R1s and Panigales were stretching their rods in Portimao, the private BMW Althea team was training again on the Vallelunga circuit (Italy), enduring less favorable weather conditions than in December during their .

"These two days have been dark and bright, black and white, a bit like the color of the team, because I still have to learn to ride and understand what the bike is asking of me.", describes Jordi Torres, one of the (then on Aprilia).

Going from the (almost) official RSV4 of the Red Devils team to the S1000RR supported by BMW Motorrad and prepared by the Althea team – who worked on Ducatis last year … – does not seem easy for the "Spanish Elvis": "I have to change my riding style and I still have to find the right direction".

On Friday, pilot n ° 81 particularly struggled: "yesterday, there were small movements entering, passing and exiting bends that bothered me and prevented me from having confidence and from translating the information the bike was sending me. It was a bit like driving with your eyes closed". Gloups…

But Jordi wants to be optimistic and reassuring: "we learned a lot from it all and it was important for today (Saturday, Editor’s note), a much better day from the start. We focused on the development of the electronics and the engine, and I was able to interpret the information the bike was giving me".

In the end, Señor Torres considers that he and his team managed the tests in Italy well: "we have optimized our time 100% in order to work in the right direction. We will now work on our lap times (kept secret, Editor’s note), but i can go home happy".

On the other side of the BMW Althea box, Markus Reiterberger is also continuing his apprenticeship. Cooled – literally and figuratively – by the wet and cool conditions of Friday, the young German champion did not hide his joy at seeing the sun reappear the next day, allowing them to complete their program..

"We have tested new parts related to brakes, electronics and gearbox. Referring to the last test in Vallelunga, we have taken a big step forward. The sensations are good, but the times are also good", guarantees the new n ° 21, so prestigious race number in WSBK since worn by himself !

"I am really delighted with the atmosphere in the team", concludes the rookie who had distinguished himself during the, when he made his first outing at the controls of his S1000RR in WSBK configuration:"we become a big family !"

The World Superbike smala will also meet almost in full on the Jerez circuit where it will continue its winter testing today and tomorrow. The Yamaha Pata (Guintoli and Lowes), Ducati Aruba (Davies and Giuglinao), BMW Milwaukee (Abraham and Brookes), Honda (Hayden and Van den Mark) and Ducati Barni (Fores) teams will be in the game.

Our second French representative, Sylvain Barrier, will also take the stage at the helm of his and will be accompanied by his Qatari teammate Saaed Al Sulaiti. On the French side always, Jules Cluzel will find his MV Agusta F3 and his best enemy Kenan Sofuoglu (Kawasaki ZX-6R)…

Last but not least, the official Kawasaki team will also be back with British riders Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes. We remember that the world champions and had on the Andalusian track, turning up to a second below the official record … The hunt for Ninjas is open !

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