SBK, Rea comments on the Jerez test: “Not yet at the limit”

The 2023 Superbike championship concluded almost a month ago but for Yamaha 2024 is already underway. The factory team has been on track at Jerez this week, testing with riders Jonathan Rea and Andrea Locatelli, who had chance to get to grips with the R1 in its 2024 configuration.

Rea completed a total of 173 laps (with a fastest time of 1'38.592), while Locatelli made 155 and set a very promising 1'38.447, very close to the best time set during the previous test by Remy Gardner. Here’s what the two factory Yamaha riders had to say at the end of the test.

Rea: “I tested three bikes, building my confidence”

"The test has been really positive, and I’ve really enjoyed riding my new R1!” begins the Northern Irish rider. “We’ve had great conditions, and the temperature was warmer than we expected, so we were able to get a lot of work done. I had three bikes to try different options on, and loads of different parts. I think we never managed to quite put everything together to arrive at the perfect combination, but we still have a lot of time before the championship begins.”

“The more laps that I do on the R1, the more I understand it and the more confidence I can build. I don’t feel like I’ve found the limit yet though”, continued the six-time champion. “I completed the test with a 20-lap race simulation that was very positive, but I still need to understand how to manage the last part of braking.  A big thanks to all the mechanics because they worked so hard. Everyone can go back now and have a bit of rest before we look forward to the next test at the end of January.”

Locatelli: “One of my best ever tests”

The Italian is also pleased with the work done at Jerez: “I’m so happy about these two days of testing, because in the past it was always a little bit difficult to make a really good job especially at Jerez. I was fast in every condition and fast in every exit, and we were happy about the lap time and the rhythm – I think it is one of the best tests I have done. I am really proud of myself but also of the team to do a really good job to give me a lot of confidence. A really positive end to 2023.”