Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) and his team put on a show at the two-day test event at the Circuito de Jerez - Angel Nieto, Andalucia. Yamaha bikes littered the timesheets’ top spots across both days, including on Day 1, where Locatelli was the fastest on the day by nearly four tenths of a second. If he and his team can translate results like these into next year, the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship paddock’s already stacked 2026 lineup may be that much more formidable at the front.

PLOTTING A COURSE: “We understood something, and we have some positive things to try again in January”

Like other Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) also stated, the #55 and his team are cognizant of the fact that Jerez’s high grip and cool temperatures during the test helped different components and settings feel better than they might end up being during the spring and summer when the season is in full swing. External factors aside, Locatelli looked confident and comfortable on his bike, which could prove the difference in itself for the talented Italian rider.

On how he felt it went overall, Locatelli said: “I think it was a great day. The track conditions changed quickly; they were different from Day 1. I think what we worked on around the bike was working well. We had a lot of confidence; we were riding really well with rhythm. It was a positive day. We know these conditions, in general, help a lot, since it’s not really hot like on race weekend. We understood something, and we have some positive things to try again in January.”

BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD: “We tried to make different setups on the bike. I think what we found put us on a good direction”

One area of the R1 that was frequently mentioned last season, more so by Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) than by Locatelli, was the sensation at the rear, speaking to the desire for improved grip. Now that the season is over and events like offseason testing are underway, it is the perfect opportunity for Locatelli and his team to rehash their setup and explore more extreme solutions they didn’t have the chance to try in 2025.

On the new items he and his team tried out on Day 2, Locatelli said: “Compared to Day 1, we tried to make different setups on the bike. We swapped bikes to try some new parts, especially on the rear. We tried to improve and see if it’s better. I think what we found put us on a good direction; it wasn’t working too badly, but it’s difficult to say yes or no now and make a decision; we’ll wait until January, when we ride on another track to be sure what we have tried is working.”

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