The final day of testing in 2020 ended before it begun with poor weather conditions stopping Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), teammate Alex Lowes and Loris Cresson (OUTDO Kawasaki TPR) taking to the MotorLand Aragon circuit on Thursday. It meant Wednesday’s running was the only running the three riders were able to get across the two-day test.

Both Rea and Lowes were testing new parts after Kawasaki unveiled the new ZX-10RR machine last week at Jerez, with Rea working on the engine yesterday to help ascertain the potential of that component of the machine. There were also items rolled over from Jerez for Lowes who kept the same positive feeling throughout the MotorLand Aragon test as he looks to build on his solid debut season with Kawasaki.

Reacting during the second day, Lowes said: “Unfortunately the weather was not our friend today but we had a good day yesterday, a good couple of days in Jerez last week and we know the areas we are working going into the 2021 season. It’s been a good few tests this side of the season and I’m now looking forward to going home, relaxing a little bit and recharging the batteries for next year.”

It means Rea’s best time of the test was set yesterday on race tyres as he posted a 1’49.716s as the team continued to learn the new machine they hope will continue their success, while Lowes was around one tenth off Rea’s pace as he posted a 1’49.832s. Despite the vastly different conditions between now and when WorldSBK took to MotorLand Aragon for the Aragon and Teruel Rounds, both Rea and Lowes were within a couple of tenths of the race lap record set at the Aragon Round by Rea, a 1’49.620s.

Rea said: “On day two, we didn’t do any mileage. The weather was full of fog all morning and in the early afternoon. We packed up early, content and satisfied with our winter test programme so far. It’s been really nice to ride so fast after Estoril and our first impressions of the next ZX-10RR are already positive. We’ve been fast and consistent, and the feeling with the bike is improving lap by lap. Looking forward to some downtime at home with my family. All the team, all the staff can go home and relax after a great season.”

Cresson’s rapid rise to WorldSBK throughout 2020 has continued since he made his debut at the Estoril Round and has continued testing with OUTDO Kawasaki TPR ever since including at Estoril, Jerez and now MotorLand Aragon. Cresson had spent most of 2020 competing in WorldSSP but has been riding WorldSBK machinery ever since and as gets acquainted with the machinery.

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