News

The Pata Yamaha Official WSBK Team concluded 2015 winter testing with a positive three days of track action at the Circuito de Jerez in southern Spain, despite having to complete the final two with a solitary rider.

Sylvain Guintoli took charge of the YZF-R1's testing programme from Thursday morning onwards after Alex Lowes returned to the UK for specialist checks to his shoulder. Following an excellent day's testing showing highly competitive lap times and consistency, the British racer suffered a high-side at turn three late on Wednesday afternoon, dislocating his shoulder and preventing him from taking any further part in proceedings.

With both riders having made good progress on the opening day, Guintoli continued to work through extensive electronics control strategy tests, chassis and rider position settings, maintaining consistent pace and completing 167 laps by the close of Friday. The Frenchman heads into the winter break content with the progress made but eager to return to action in late January for a further four days of development before the team travel to Australia and the start of the 2016 Motul Superbike World Championship a month later.

The Pata Yamaha Official WSBK Team would like to thank Guintoli for his hard work over a tough two days, taking on the sole responsibility for all remaining test items, and to wish Lowes a very speedy recovery. The 25 year old is currently awaiting the results of today's scans before commencing his rehabilitation. However, he remains determined to be fighting fit for the New Year.

With no further testing scheduled for 2015, Lowes and Guintoli are now looking forward to the action off-track - meeting their British fans as they visit Birmingham's NEC for Motorcycle Live next week. Both Yamaha riders will be appearing on the manufacture's hall 2 stand from 11:30am on Monday 30th November, with a full day of signings and two trips to the main stage also on the cards.

Sylvain Guintoli:
“It has been three much needed and really interesting days here at Jerez. We have experienced a lot of different settings and geometries to try and get a better understanding of the YZF-R1 which was good. We also completed a lot of work with electronics, software and strategies so a lot of time-consuming processes that needed to be done. We have managed to collect a great amount of information and now we need some time to develop parts, so the boys will be busy over this winter but I already can't wait to see the progress made next year! It's a very interesting project, I really enjoyed riding the YZF-R1 around Jerez and I'm looking forward to carrying on the good work and development next year.”