Remy Gardner is leading the World Superbike tests in Jerez, with just over three hours remaining on the first day. So far, he’s the only one to record a time in the 1m39s.
The Australian rider from GYTR GRT Yamaha completed his best lap in 1m39.837s, giving him a lead of 0.197s over Michael Ruben Rinaldi. The Italian is making his debut on the Motocorsa Racing Ducati, a team where he was announced as a rider just yesterday. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha) is in third, trailing by 0.269s.
In his debut for Pata Yamaha, Jonathan Rea is currently in fourth place, 0.465s behind the leader. The British rider has already had a fall with no major consequences.
Álvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Ducati), a two-time champion, is fifth among the WSBK riders on the timing sheet. He also had a fall earlier in the day, which caused a brief red flag period.
As it’s the first test in preparation for 2024, lap times are not the most important factor. Riders who have changed teams are starting their adaptation, and there is also new material to test for some manufacturers.
The best Kawasaki rider is Alex Lowes, in seventh place ahead of rookie Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Ducati). These rankings exclude the four MotoGP riders who are also testing. Andrea Iannone (GoEleven/Ducati), making his debut in WSBK after a four-year suspension, is in 11th place.
Timesheet: