News

The Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team moved directly from Donington Park in the UK to the Italian Riviera this week, to conduct a one day test at the Misano World Circuit - Marco Simoncelli. STK1000 rider Niccoló Canepa joined WorldSBK regular Alex Lowes at the track, standing in for Sylvain Guintoli as the Frenchman continues his rehabilitation from injury.

Lowes immediately got down to work, managing to ride for multiple short stints throughout the day - having had an extra few days to allow his shoulder to recover before taking to the somewhat physically easier track in comparison to Donington Park. Completing around 60 laps in total, the British rider worked through an extensive range of test items including new electronic control strategies, with a particular focus on traction control, new front fork settings and chassis setting parts to further develop the YZF-R1's suspension and handling response.

"I am still frustrated as we have plenty of things to try but I'm not fit enough to get through them all,” lamemted Lowes. “However, the work we did manage was good and I'm optimistic for the Races. I want to send a massive thank you to the whole team for all their hard work to make the test happen in such a busy schedule. I really appreciate it!"

"I am really happy with the test,” said Canepa. “I tested many things to continue the bike's development and we had a lot of good feedback. Usually it is not easy to switch from a Stock to a Superbike but the YZF-R1 is very easy and I felt comfortable from the first lap. It's a shame that it started to rain in the afternoon but it was good for the team to also be able to test in the wet conditions. I hope that the new improvements found will help Lowes and Guintoli to be fast in Misano for the next Round.”

Round 8 of the 2016 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship gets underway at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli from the 17^th-19^th June at the track on the Adriatic coast, as WorldSBK pays its second visit to Italy of the season.