The second day of pre-season testing for the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto was marred by rain, which created challenges for riders and teams but also offered a valuable opportunity to test the motorcycles in difficult conditions. Despite the complications, Jonathan Rea (Pata Yamaha) showed excellent form, recording the fastest lap of the day, while rookie Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) impressed by securing third place in the time table.
Rea leads with authority, but Yamaha faces setbacks
Jonathan Rea demonstrated all his experience by dominating the time tables of the day, with his best lap timed at 1:53.058. The Northern Irishman completed a total of 40 laps, split equally between his two Yamaha R1 bikes, showing consistency in both performance and adaptation to the wet track.
However, the day was not as positive for his teammate, Andrea Locatelli. The Italian suffered a crash at turn 1 during the morning but fortunately escaped injury and returned to the track early in the afternoon. Locatelli finished the day with the tenth fastest time (1:55.429), completing a total of 19 laps. Yamaha team principal Paul Denning highlighted improvements to the R1’s technical package but admitted some changes would only be implemented as the season progresses.
Virgo shines with Honda in wet conditions
Xavi Virgo, the only Honda HRC rider on the track on day two, continued to impress. Riding his CBR1000RR-R equipped with the new Öhlins suspension, the Spanish rider set the second fastest time of the day with a time of 1:53.666. Showing consistency and confidence, Virgo completed 27 laps, confirming the team’s good form in different weather conditions following a strong performance on the first windy day.
Montella surprises with third place
Yari Montella, a WSBK rookie, was one of the biggest surprises of the day. The Italian driver, aboard the Barni Spark team’s Panigale V4 R, recorded 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 pit lane starts.
Scott Redding, also on a Ducati (MGM Bonovo Racing), finished the day in fifth place with a lap time of 1:54.893. Redding was the most active driver on the track, completing 42 laps.
Bassani stands out with Bimota
Axel Bassani, riding Bimota’s new KB998 Rimini, had the fourth best time of the day (1:54.426). The Italian showed his competitiveness despite difficult conditions, completing 36 laps and taking the opportunity to explore the bike’s potential on a wet track.
-Gerloff limits the damage after his fall
American driver Garrett Gerloff had a short day at Jerez. After completing just 11 laps, his session was interrupted by a crash at Turn 13, the left-hand hairpin that closes the circuit. Before the incident, Gerloff had recorded the 11th fastest time (1:56.893) but did not return to the track afterward.
In preparation for the season
The Jerez test proved difficult but allowed the teams to collect crucial data on how the bikes performed in wet conditions. With the 2025 WSBK season quickly approaching, these test sessions are vital for riders and teams to refine their strategies and adjust their machines to maximize their competitive potential.
The next test will provide another opportunity to assess progress, hopefully under better weather conditions.
The five best times from day 2 of testing in Jerez:
1. Johnathan Rea (Pata Yamaha) 1’53.058, 40 tours
2. Xavi Virgo (Honda HRC) 1’53.666, 27 laps
3. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) 1’53.978, 32 tours
4. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) 1’54.426, 36 tours
5. Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing) 1’54.893, 42 tours
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