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Cool conditions welcomed World Superbike riders to MotorLand Aragon on Wednesday 16th of November for the first winter test. As the riders waited for optimum temperatures, track action didn’t get underway until 11AM local time (GMT+1) as the sun shone down in Alcañiz, Spain.

Reigning World Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) had a tough first day and was only able to record 32 laps aboard the new ZX-10RR; suffering with technical problems at a circuit he has only taken one victory at back in 2015. Despite a positive test of 2017 parts last month at Circuito de Jerez, the Northern Irishman began the day looking to work on engine issues, chassis and suspension and will be hoping to improve on times and bike set up ton day two.

Kawasaki Racing Team-mate Tom Sykes was able to do a longer stint at MotorLand, putting in 61 laps on his green machine. Hoping to solve the braking problems that he suffered with during the 2016 season, Sykes has worked on finding more stability aboard his new Ninja. On top of this, the Yorkshireman is looking to test some engine updates and chassis changes in the hopes of making his Kawasaki package even stronger for the new season. 

Michael van der Mark had a big day as he swung his leg over his new Yamaha YZF-R1 for the first time with the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team. The young Dutchman used the opening day of testing to get to know the bike ahead of next week’s test at the Circuito de Jerez, lapping MotorLand Aragon 70 times today. After waiting for the track to reach higher temperatures this morning, van der Mark was able to put in a string of lap times in order to start to understand the new bike.

Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team) looked to fix several problems he encountered throughout 2016 on his YZF-R1, which began with checking whether changes made during the season have improved his riding experience. Testing a new rear swing arm, along with electronics and chassis set-up, the goal of day one was simply building up confidence in order to push ahead into the new year. Lowes recorded 66 laps today and was able to put in competitive times ahead of tomorrow.

Another newcomer to the Championship for 2017, Stefan Bradl (Honda World Superbike Team) was able to finally get his teeth into the CBR1000RR, despite it still being the 2016 model. On his first day in the World Superbike paddock, the German former MotoGP™ rider spent the day trying to understand the bike and explain his first impressions to his new team. At around 3pm, Bradl suffered technical problems forcing him to briefly sit out of the session; however he was still able to put in 60 laps of the MotorLand Aragon circuit ensuring a lot of technical data the team can make use of tomorrow.

Nicky Hayden returned with the Honda World Superbike Team for his second full season in the Championship, and had a long day on the CBR1000RR with 79 laps recorded. Focusing on new chassis parts, suspension and electronics, the Kentucky Kid put in a solid amount of track time once the temperature got above 10 degrees. However, tomorrow he and his team will be focusing on how to adapt these changes to the new Honda machine they are set to receive next year.

Marco Melandri made his homecoming back to the World Superbike paddock after two years away and it didn’t take him long to get acquainted with the Aruba.it Racing - Ducati. Following two tests earlier on this year, the Italian was keen to get out on track this morning despite the cooler temperatures. Melandri was able to focus on a new Ohlins suspension kit as well as some electronic issues they encountered relating to the engine, brakes and antiwheelie. After a strong morning aboard the Panigale R, Melandri ran into technical issues towards the end of the day which forced him into the pits with an hour of the session still remaining. The Italian only lapped the track 57 times and will be looking to increase it on day two.

Coming off the back of a stunning end of the 2016 season, Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) picked up where he left off, at the track where he secured the double just six months earlier. With both the 2016 and 2017 Panigale R’s to test, the Welshman worked closely on the chassis and its affect on aerodynamics and body position. Davies spent most of the day out on track, logging in 59 laps.

World Superbike testing action resumes on Thursday 17th November at MotorLand Aragon for day two at 10:00am local time (GMT+1).