2014 season already on its way with testing at Jerez
Some of the WSBK teams have stayed at Circuito de Jerez yesterday to test new bikes, parts and... riders, for the upcoming season. The work on track was affected by changeable weather conditions that forced riders back to the pits several times, before a heavy shower brought the test to a premature end.
All eyes were on Marco Melandri's first ride on the factory Aprilia bike. The Italian, who ended up fourth in his second season as works BMW rider, got on the podium in Race 1 last Sunday but had to sit out the second one, due to strong pain in his right ankle. Melandri tested a RSV4 with no livery, but an "unusual" number 33 on.
While 2013 World Superbike Champion Tom Sykes returned back home in England, team mate Loris Baz made his comeback on the ZX-10R after missing the last four rounds of the season. The Frenchman completed a total of 40 laps, using race tyres only, showing good confidence and speed despite his lay-off from action.
Ulsterman and newly father Jonathan Rea (Pata Honda World Superbike) marked his return to the WSBK scene, following his recovery from a leg injury, to join last season's and current team mate Leon Haslam. Local riders Toni Elias (Red Devils Roma) and Xavi Forés (Team Ducati Alstare) were on track too, along with Leon Camier (FIXI Crescent Suzuki), who tried three GSX-Rs in different configurations and also new electronic strategies and engine modifications.
Not only full-spec Superbikes, but also a Superbike EVO - Team Pedercini's ZX-10R - made its way around the Andalusian circuit, ridden by Leandro Mercado. STK600 Champion Franco Morbidelli, on the other hand, had his first taste of the San Carlo Team Italia WSS-spec ZX-6R, on which he will be racing next year.
