FIM Superbike World Championship
Circuito De Jerez, Spain
November 21, 2017
Tuesday’s Best Lap Times (as provided by Circuito de Jerez, all on Pirelli tires):
1. Tom Sykes, UK (Kaw ZX-10RR), 1:39.692
2. Loris Baz, France (BMW S1000RR), 1:40.468
3. Eugene Laverty, Ireland (Apr RSV4 RF), 1:40.551
4. Jordi Torres, Spain (MV Agusta F4 RC), 1:40.595
5. Leon Haslam, UK (Kaw ZX-10RR), 1:40.768
6. Lorenzo Savadori, Italy (Apr RSV4 RF), 1:40.841
7. Luke Mossey, UK (Kaw ZX-10RR), 1:40.984
8. Leandro Mercado, Argentina (Kaw ZX-10RR), 1:41.034
9. Nacho Calero, Spain (Kaw ZX-10RR), 1:45.067
Best Overall Test Times (as provided by Circuito de Jerez, all on Pirelli tires):
1. Jonathan Rea, UK (Kaw ZX-10RR), 1:39.650
2. Tom Sykes, UK (Kaw ZX-10RR), 1:39.692
3. Loris Baz, France (BMW S1000RR), 1:40.468
4. Eugene Laverty, Ireland (Apr RSV4 RF), 1:40.551
5. Jordi Torres, Spain (MV Agusta F4 RC), 1:40.595
6. Leon Haslam, UK (Kaw ZX-10RR), 1:40.768
7. Lorenzo Savadori, Italy (Apr RSV4 RF), 1:40.841
8. Luke Mossey, UK (Kaw ZX-10RR), 1:40.984
9. Leandro Mercado, Argentina (Kaw ZX-10RR), 1:41.034
10. Yonny Hernandez, Colombia (Kaw ZX-10RR), 1:42.476
11. Nacho Calero, Spain (Kaw ZX-10RR), 1:45.067
More, from a press release issued by Althea BMW Racing:
A positive first test for Althea BMW and Baz at Jerez
Jerez de la Frontera (Spain), Tuesday 21 November 2017
The Althea BMW Racing team and its new rider Loris Baz have concluded a two-day test session with positive results. On track at Jerez both today and yesterday, the Italian team made the most of this first opportunity to prepare for the 2018 Superbike world championship.
In dry conditions, Baz rode the BMW S 1000 RR for the first time, building some initial feeling after several seasons spent riding a MotoGP. As this was the Frenchman’s first outing with his new bike, work focusing on his “acclimatisation”, both in the saddle and in the garage, with his new team.
While the technicians worked to adapt the BMW to Loris’ riding style, Baz, in turn, completed 75 laps on day one and 94 today, well aware that the best way to get to grips with his new bike is to clock up the miles. He made good progress over the two days, improving his feeling and confidence and gradually lowering his times lap after lap. His best time set today, a 1’40.468, put him second on the timesheets, a very positive start.
Team Althea BMW is very pleased with the work it has completed this week and will return to Spain for further testing on 4-5 December, at the Cartagena track.
Loris Baz:
“We’ve had a very positive test. It was strange at first of course, with a lot of things to get used to, but we’ve worked hard and done a good job I think. I completed many laps, necessary in order to find the right feeling. I really like the bike, particularly the front and the front tyre, while I have more difficulty with the electronics. I am still struggling with the brand new tyre, but we will continue to work on this in future tests. In a race simulation this morning we were pretty fast, in line with the pace seen during the latest Jerez race. So I’m really happy overall and can’t wait for the next sessions.”
Genesio Bevilacqua:
“I think these first two days of testing at Jerez have been very positive for our rider, who returns to Superbike after three years in MotoGP, no small challenge. Step by step, Loris has been able to ‘make friends’ with his new bike. He surprised me with regard to his speed and ability to interpret everything we have given him. The team too has worked really well and so I’m pleased. Having such an experienced rider, despite his young age, allows us to work with precision and provide him with the right support. The Kawasakis are still in front, and tomorrow Ducati and Yamaha will be here, so we have to wait and see how things are overall, but I can say that I’m extremely satisfied with this first test.”