As Jake Gagne (Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team) is facing his first full season in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, the American had a busy first day at the Jerez test as he clocked in 83 laps around the Southern Spanish circuit.

Working to understand how he can adapt his riding style to the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2, the 25 year old enjoyed his first day out on track for 2018 as he focused heavily on the geometary of the bike. With a clear idea of how to alter the bike in day two, he noted the importance of speaking with his team on Tuesday evening to understand which direction to go in as the season opener draws ever closer.

Gagne’s final lap time of 1.42.060 put him in 15^th position overall, but was happy with his day in the office: “It was a good day, I haven’t been on the bike since Qatar and it was good to get back on the road racing bike and back with the team. We got over 80 laps in, didn’t do anything crazy, made some changes and learnt a few things. I got more comfortable on the bike and we have a good direction to go tomorrow. I’ve got a few things I can work on to get this Honda around the track a little better, so I’m happy.”

Commenting on the strong pace of his new team-mate Leon Camier (Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team), who ended in the top eight and just over one second behind the leader Jonathan Rea (Kawaskai Racing Team), Gagne notes the positive aspect of having a competitive team-mate. “Leon is a great guy, he’s easy to talk to and it’s good to have him as a team-mate. He’s also a heck of a rider and is showing the capability of the bike, it’s good to have him set the bar high and we’re looking forward to tomorrow to reduce the gap to him.”

Follow Gagne’s progress as he takes on the new challenge of WorldSBK, all with exclusive interviews and videos on the WorldSBK VideoPass.