SBK: 2022 begins at Jerez. Kenan Sofuoglu returns to the track!

It’s time! Despite there being 74 days still to go before Race 1 at Assen, the Superbikes are ready to get back on track for the first time this year, during a two-day test that will get underway tomorrow at the Jerez track. A circuit that unfortunately does not feature on the 2022 calendar, but that is nevertheless useful for the teams and riders as they collate data and make comparisons.

Lecuona prepares to return

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The test is organised by the KRT team, which will be out with Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes. The six-time world champion has told us that he wants to clock up some miles at Jerez, to regain the right sensations as well as analyse the new elements offered by Kawasaki, as they seek a solution with which to close the small deficit they have in terms of top speed compared to Ducati and (in part) Yamaha.

Lowes will have another chance to test his fitness, after a shoulder issue prevented him from finishing the 2021 season. And another man keen to test himself physically is Iker Lecuona, who will be in Andalusia alongside team-mate Xavi Vierge. The former KTM rider began his SBK adventure with a first test in December (also at Jerez), but a crash left him with a fractured little finger.

Iker will return to the track tomorrow then, working together with former Moto2 rider Vierge as the pair continue to adapt to the CBR. In terms of SBK riders, Lucas Mahias will also be out with the Puccetti Kawasaki.

Montella and Sofuoglu head up the SSP pack

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Puccetti will also field its SSP riders, Can Oncu and Yari Montella, as the squad works to get to grips with the Ninja ZX-6R. The same goes for Ben Currie and Jeffrey Buis, riding for team Motozoo, and for Kenan Sofuoglu.

Yes, you’ve read that right, the multi-titled champion will be riding the MV Agusta F3 for the MV Agusta Reparto Corse team, standing in for nephew Bahattin, who has tested positive for Covid. Another champion in the shape of Niki Tuuli will also take part in the test. Rounding out the field is Stefan Bradl, who will continue the development work on the RCV213V and Ana Carrasco, out with team Provec’s Kawasaki 400.

The riders who will test

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Translated by Heather Watson

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