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The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team’s new rider pair of Danilo Petrucci and Miguel Oliveira seems to be finding their footing fast in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. With Day 1 of Jerez’s second test event in the books, both riders looked strong. Petrucci placed P6, followed closely behind by Oliveira.

ADAPTING QUICKLY: “If you look at the lap times ahead of Danilo and Miguel and use Michael as a benchmark, I think they both did fantastic work”

After their talisman rider pairing of Toprak Razgatlioglu departed for the MotoGP paddock, and multiple race-winner Michael van der Mark moved to a test rider role, the BMW factory team faced a tall task in replacing their two riders. The two riders who landed, Oliveira and Petrucci, each have shown their speed at the highest levels, and did so once again on Day 1 of Jerez’s second test.

Team Principal Shaun Muir was encouraged by his team’s Day 1 result. He said, “We’ve been blessed with some good weather, which is a big change from last year. We started out really well, for both Danilo and Migue,l it’s been a great start. Danilo did over 80 laps, and Miguel did over 70. There are a lot of things to acclimate to, but I’m super happy. I think both boys will sleep happily tonight and will come fully charged for tomorrow. Michael has a separate test plan and is certainly not chasing lap times. He’s riding a lot freer and knows the bike a lot better. If you look at the lap times ahead of Danilo and Miguel and use Michael as a benchmark, I think they both did fantastic work. Danilo worked on getting used to the bike's balance and the heavy braking compared to what he’s ridden before. Equally, Miguel as well has had more changing parameters coming off of the Michelin tyre to Pirelli tyres, so for both of them to be as close as they were to Mikey, we’re coming away really happy from today.”

GETTING ON THE SAME PAGE: “The riders are our heroes, but we have to work together as a team, and teamwork makes the dream work”

Whereas last year BMW faced a very adverse set of preseason tests, with inclement weather and injuries such as Razgatlioglu’s broken index finger, BMW’s offseason this far hasn’t been as addled. Their rider pair both missed the first test event at Jerez just days after the end of the season, Petrucci with injury, Oliveira busy with MotoGP; however, this test has enjoyed much better conditions than a month ago, and the #9 and #88 looked like they are already at a competitive pace

BMW Technical Director Chris Gonschor was equally glowing about his riders’ test debut. He said: “It was a perfect day, just look at the conditions here in Jerez for the test, so we’re very happy. Both riders could enjoy four or five hours of good track time in Jerez on our first test day, and we’re looking forward to tomorrow. Overall, it was a perfect start, no crashes, good feedback, we understand the riders a bit more, and the riders understand the team a bit more. The riders are our heroes, but we have to work together as a team, and teamwork makes the dream work. To get the success this season we're looking for, we’re focused on both riders, and we’re looking forward to continuing tomorrow!”

Tune in this season to see how Petrucci and Oliveira fare in their first season with the defending Champion manufacturer with the WorldSBK VideoPass!