Not even a crash – which fortunately caused no physical damage – could stop a determined Garrett Gerloff, riding for team GRT. Stopping the clock on 1'39"571, his lap time secured him the top spot at the end of day one of SBK testing at Jerez.

At the Andalusian track, number 31 is riding a 2020 version of the R1 M, so a factory bike, which will gradually gain new, 2021 parts. Having surprised everyone this year and following his positive MotoGP experience, the 25-year old Texan continues to prove that he is one to watch.

The pride and strength of Rea are well known, but today Johnny settled for second. The number 1 rider, with his "Winter Test" livery, tried right until the final minute of the session, but closed four tenths from his American rival. The new Kawasaki engine is powerful, the electronics boast brand-new parameters and KRT is working to optimise the package.

So the chasing pack has its work cut out, starting with Andrea Locatelli, the last rider to leave the track. The Supersport world champion is discovering the secrets of a factory Superbike, including launch control, a technological "device" that can make the difference off the line.

Razga the most spectacular, Cresson needs time to grow

Toprak once again stole the show with his stoppies, the rear wheel up and pointing towards the sky. The Turk closed third, followed by Alex Lowes, Leon Haslam, Alvaro Bautista and ‘Loka’.

Of the independent riders, Lucas Mahias did well on the Puccetti Ninja, as did Isaac Vinales, debuting with the Orelac ZX-10RR, while Belgian rider Loris Cresson struggled, suffering a bad crash that left the Pedercini bike fairly damaged, though the rider is fortunately fine.

The standings

Translated by Heather Watson

WorldSSP, Caricasulo: "One step back to take two steps forward"