Argomenti trattati
The 2026 World Superbike Championship is approaching, with teams utilizing winter testing at the renowned Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto. On November 26-27, riders took to the track to refine their skills and familiarize themselves with their machines, laying the groundwork for the upcoming season.
This testing session marks the second opportunity for teams to evaluate their performance and implement necessary adjustments. Favorable weather conditions provided an ideal setting for teams to assess their strategies and equipment, ensuring readiness for the challenges ahead.
New riders and returning champions make their mark
Among the highlights of this test was the debut of several riders with new teams. The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team unveiled their full lineup for 2026, featuring Danilo Petrucci and Miguel Oliveira. Both riders were on track simultaneously for the first time, focusing on adapting to the BMW M1000RR. Petrucci concluded Day 1 in sixth place, while Oliveira followed closely in eighth.
Honda’s promising debut
Another significant moment was the entry of Jake Dixon and Somkiat Chantra into the WorldSBK arena under the Honda HRC banner. Both riders completed laps in the top ten, with Dixon achieving an impressive ninth place after 61 laps, while Chantra finished right behind him in tenth after completing 71 laps on the CBR1000RR-R. Their performances suggested a promising start for Honda in the competitive superbike landscape.
Yamaha’s dominance and strategic partnerships
The Yamaha team exhibited their strength with notable performances from Xavi Vierge, Stefano Manzi, and Andrea Locatelli. Locatelli emerged as the standout rider of the day, posting a remarkable time of 1’38.641, becoming the only rider to break into the 1’38s. His success is attributed to effective collaboration with his new Chief Engineer, Giulio Nava, as they worked to enhance the bike’s setup.
Vierge and Manzi were also focused on adapting to the Yamaha R1, aiming for consistent pace. Manzi completed an impressive 95 laps, finishing seventh overall with a time of 1’39.442. Yamaha’s strong representation in the top rankings on Day 1 indicates their commitment to a successful 2026 season.
BMW’s performance and team dynamics
BMW’s return to full strength was another focal point of the test. Michael van der Mark, now serving as a test rider, showcased his speed with a third-place finish at 1’39.043. His experience proved beneficial, guiding both Petrucci and Oliveira through their initial outings on the new machinery. Petrucci, recovering from a late-season wrist injury, quickly adapted to the BMW, while Oliveira faced a steeper learning curve transitioning from MotoGP bikes to Pirelli tires.
Despite these challenges, both riders delivered commendable performances, providing valuable data and feedback to their team. Team Principal Shaun Muir expressed satisfaction with their progress, emphasizing the importance of acclimation to the new bikes and conditions.
World Supersport insights and competitive spirit
As attention shifted to the World Supersport category, Dominique Aegerter made a noteworthy entry, taking his first laps on the Kawasaki ZX-6R after a three-year absence. His return represents a significant development as he aims to reclaim his position among top competitors.
The ongoing testing at Jerez serves as a crucial platform for teams and riders to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, preparing them for the challenges of the upcoming season. Each completed lap brings them closer to achieving their ultimate goal of victory in the WorldSBK Championship.