The second day of preseason testing for the Superbike World Championship (WSBK) at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto was marked by rain, which created challenges for riders and teams but also provided a valuable opportunity to test the bikes in adverse conditions. Despite the complications, Jonathan Rea (Pata Yamaha) showcased excellent form, recording the fastest lap of the day, while rookie Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) impressed by securing third place on the timesheets.
Rea leads with authority, but Yamaha faces setbacks
Jonathan Rea demonstrated all his experience by dominating the day’s timesheets, with his best lap clocked at 1:53.058. The Northern Irishman completed a total of 40 laps, evenly split between his two Yamaha R1 bikes, showcasing consistency both in performance and in adapting to the wet track.
However, the day wasn’t as positive for his teammate, Andrea Locatelli. The Italian suffered a crash at Turn 1 during the morning but fortunately escaped unscathed and returned to the track in the early afternoon. Locatelli ended the day with the tenth-fastest time (1:55.429), completing a total of 19 laps. Paul Denning, Yamaha’s team principal, highlighted the improvements made to the R1’s technical package but admitted that some changes would only be implemented as the season progresses.
Vierge shines with Honda in wet conditions
Xavi Vierge, the sole Honda HRC rider on track on the second day, continued to impress. Riding his CBR1000RR-R equipped with the new Öhlins suspension, the Spanish rider set the second-fastest lap of the day with a time of 1:53.666. Showing consistency and confidence, Vierge completed 27 laps, confirming the team’s good form in different weather conditions after a strong performance on the windy first day.
Montella surprises with third place
Yari Montella, a WSBK rookie, was one of the day’s biggest surprises. The Italian rider, aboard the Panigale V4 R from Team Barni Spark, posted the third-fastest time (1:53.978) on his 28th lap, demonstrating speed and adaptability in wet conditions. Montella completed 32 laps, using the end of the session to practice starts in the pit lane.
Scott Redding, also riding a Ducati (MGM Bonovo Racing), finished the day in fifth place with a lap time of 1:54.893. Redding was the most active rider on track, completing 42 laps.
Bassani stands out with Bimota
Axel Bassani, riding the new KB998 Rimini from Bimota, secured the fourth-fastest time of the day (1:54.426). The Italian showed competitiveness despite the challenging conditions, completing 36 laps and making the most of the opportunity to explore the bike’s potential on a wet track.
Gerloff limits the damage after crash
American rider Garrett Gerloff had a short day in Jerez. After completing just 11 laps, his session was cut short by a crash at Turn 13, the left-hand hairpin that closes the circuit. Before the incident, Gerloff recorded the 11th fastest time (1:56.893) but did not return to the track afterward.
Looking ahead to the season
The Jerez test proved challenging but allowed teams to collect crucial data on how the bikes behave in rainy conditions. With the 2025 WSBK season fast approaching, these test sessions are vital for riders and teams to fine-tune their strategies and adjust their machines to maximize their competitive potential.
The next test will offer another chance to evaluate the progress made, hopefully under better weather conditions.
Top five times from Day 2 of testing in Jerez:
1. Johnathan Rea (Pata Yamaha) 1’53.058, 40 laps
2. Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC) 1’53.666, 27 laps
3. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) 1’53.978, 32 laps
4. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) 1’54.426, 36 laps
5. Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing) 1’54.893, 42 laps
First #WorldSBK test of 2025 is DONE! ✅
— WorldSBK (@WorldSBK) January 23, 2025
Next stop: Portimao 🎢 See you there 😉 pic.twitter.com/XBtxN288Qb