Friday saw the conclusion of Cremona, Italy hosting two days of testing for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. Yamaha were noticeable absentees from the first day of testing, but they certainly left an impression by the end. Among the most noteworthy performances was that of Italian Andrea Locatelli, who finished second only to GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team rider Remy Gardner.

Friday morning saw the 27-year-old finish sixth in the standings, putting out a time of 1’30.528s. However, the afternoon session saw Locatelli lift off, improving his time by over 1.5s to 1’28.919s, a result which saw him leapfrog the field and finish second in Friday’s combined standings.

Discussing what proved to be a successful day of testing, the #55 rider said: “In only one day, we make a really good lap time! I have a really good feeling! I enjoy quite a lot the first sector and the last sector…I think here in Cremona they make amazing work. It’s not a big track, so it will not be easy to overtake during the race, but let’s see.”

The Bergamo native was also asked if the track suited the natural strengths of the R1, given both his and Gardner’s impressive outings at Cremona. Discussing this, Locatelli said: “Yeah, we try to make an improvement every time. It was something positive and interesting to learn the track. I think we did well…this is the most important thing.” The Yamaha rider also discussed the upcoming Misano round, revealing his dreams and ambitions of succeeding at that track. The #55 said: “When we are there, we will try to make another step, to understand the bike and the track. It is also my dream to do well at Misano…we’ll arrive competitive and strong!”

Speaking about the presence of so many fans across both days of testing, Locatelli was more than impressed. He remarked that: “We see the people are really passionate on the bike. I think that what the track and city are doing…creating the possibility that people can come, take a picture with us and see the track…is something very positive.”

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