Jerez Test: WITH GOOD FEELINGS INTO THE WINTER BREAK
Despite poor weather conditions, Stefan Bradl made the best out of the situation from a two-day test at the Andalucian Circuito de Jerez earlier this week.
In contrast to last week’s Aragon test, Bradl couldn’t do as many laps there last Monday and Tuesday as bad weather affected his second test aboard the Honda Superbike very much. After a rainy first day, the situation improved slightly on Tuesday as the sun came out after lunch time.
However, on a soaked track Bradl and his crew worked on finding a good basis setup for such conditions during Monday’s outings at the Southern Spain’s circuit, as well they prepared for possible flag-to-flag races next year. The Honda rider put in 35 laps during which he mainly tried adjustments to the electronics regarding the engine break. During the next day it took till late afternoon when the 4.4 kilometres long track dried out so far, so that he was able to start working with slick tyres finally.
Despite this less effective stay in Jerez this week, Bradl heads into the winter break in confident mood now.
#6 Stefan BRADL (Honda World Superbike Team, Honda CBR1000RR SP), 1´42.5 (55 Laps in total):
“Unfortunately, our Jerez test was less productive because the weather completely has wrecked up our plans. During the first day, I just did 36 laps. But this has brought some findings about the tyres at least and indeed, how the feeling is with Pirelli rain tyres. In this regard, I could gain first sensations for it and our exits in these circumstances were quite ok, so we made the best of the situation. On the second day, weather wise it was a bit better. But due to the poor track conditions I also did just about 20 laps because the track never completely dried out. There remained always wet patches. Therefore, we could not try and test any great chances to the bike as the track’s conditions didn’t allow us to work properly. It’s a pity, that these two days were not as valuable as our test in Aragon last week where I was able to get familiarized to the new bike for me as well to my new team a bit already. But my first sensations with Honda in World Superbike, as well with the bike itself are very positive. This is also important because I can go with good feeling into the winter break now. But I’m already very excited about the new Honda Superbike which we will for the first time in January. But before that, it is time to calm down and relax, recharging energy and then to start the 2017 season with fresh motivation.”