Recapping this week’s two-day WorldSBK Test ...

WorldSBK Jerez Check
November 26-27, 2025

Many of the 2026 WorldSBK contingent had been on monitor for 2 days of testing at Jerez this week, however absent from this outing had been the likes of Ducati riders Nicolo Bulega and Iker Lecuona.

Whereas the GYTR squad had been in attendance with Stefano Manzi, they had been with out Remy Gardner, who was sidelined by a shoulder damage sustained in a latest coaching incident.

We’re not sure of who slotted in comfortable rubber to set a benchmark, however on the finish of the check, it was Bimota’s Alex Lowes on high with a 1m37.824. That compares to the 1m37.587s set by Nicolo Bulega during testing late last month. 

Alex Lowes

“We had a constructive day. The monitor was actually chilly this morning with some damp patches, particularly at T8 and slightly bit within the final nook. We took our time earlier than we went on monitor however though we began at 11.30 we nonetheless managed to set 76 laps. We continued the work we began within the check after the final race and in addition tried a number of issues, and a extra concepts. We had some good things with the electronics. Sander, my electronics man, has been working onerous and we tried a few new issues to assist in nook entry, to present me some confidence. They had been good. I feel, total, evaluating the final race of 2025 to now we now have made some steps ahead. We now have to watch out, as a result of the monitor circumstances at Jerez change a lot and the monitor is de facto grippy, so the lap instances are quick. This implies we can not get too excited however I do assume we now have made the bike slightly bit higher because the final race, which was our goal. Now we are able to give attention to the January assessments and hold making an attempt to maneuver the challenge ahead. Total, I’m actually completely satisfied.”

Pere Riba – Crew Chief for Alex Lowes

“Our check was constructive. On day one we examined all day with Xavi Fores and we confirmed lots of the objects that we needed to. Xavi was as quick as he had ever been at Jerez, which was excellent. Once we began with Alex it was very constructive. You need to watch out in winter testing if you strive new objects as a result of the monitor is cool and it performs effectively, due to the temperature. We tried some issues for the 2026 spec and Alex left the check with smile on his face. That is an important factor. It looks like we now have made a step ahead within the total bundle. He completed the check because the quickest rider, and with feeling. Total, it was constructive. Now we now have a brief break, then Christmas time, and we are going to get pleasure from being at residence for slightly bit. However, we’re already centered on the January assessments the place we now have one thing to maintain us working.”

Second quickest this week was new Yamaha recruit Xavi Vierge with a 1m38.058s forward of Michael van der Mark. The Dutchman was the quickest of the BMW contingent in his new position as check rider whereas Vierge continued to be taught his method across the YZF-R1M after spending latest seasons astride a Fireblade.

Andrea Locatelli ended the primary day quickest total, step from his new teammate in second, and spent the second day working by way of a substantial “to do” listing of recent improvement objects delivered by Yamaha’s engineers. Occasions for each riders tumbled as monitor circumstances turned extra beneficial on Thursday, with Locatelli ending simply behind new team-mate Vierge.

Andrea Locatelli

“It was check, however in the present day the circumstances of the monitor had been altering shortly – completely different even in comparison with yesterday, however I feel what we did across the bike was very constructive. I used to be in a position to take a assured feeling and journey rhythm. A constructive day, we all know that the colder circumstances assist us a bit – it’s not actually sizzling prefer it was in the course of the race weekend – however we understood lots. Now we now have a clearer course to attempt to take one other step in January. The lap time and normally the efficiency, we all know it’s fairly good however my method is a bit conservative as we received’t know for certain till we strive at a distinct circuit and in numerous circumstances. We tried lots of completely different components and new setting course, working particularly on the rear to enhance the grip and examine back-to-back. I’ve a brand new Crew Chief working with me contained in the field, Guilio and I are nonetheless studying one another however total it’s working effectively and I’m completely satisfied!”

Andrea Locatelli ranked fourth on mixed instances forward of recent BMW recruit Danilo Petrucci.

Paul Denning – Workforce Principal – Pata Maxus Yamaha

“It’s been a really stable check, fairly chilly however contemplating it’s the top of November actually nice climate for the previous two days right here in Jerez. We bought by way of an enormous quantity of labor with each of the riders – a totally new recruit, Xavi Vierge, and Andrea Locatelli who goes into his sixth yr with us in Pata Maxus Yamaha. No accidents and no sturdiness issues, so we’ve been in a position to actually give attention to improvement and testing lots of new objects that Yamaha has delivered for us to have the ability to take an essential step in 2026. Xavi continues to impress after solely his third day ever on the Yamaha R1 WorldSBK – second-quickest total, simply two-tenths off the quickest time and setting his personal private quickest ever lap instances round Jerez each on race tyres and on the qualifying tyre. Constant rhythm, nice suggestions – a contented rider and completely satisfied group! We haven’t confronted any main challenges collectively up to now and we’re loving having him as a part of the group. Loka after all already is aware of the R1 inside and outside, and was given lots of new improvement objects to strive. He additionally carried out very effectively with a greatest time on the race tyre additionally within the 1’38s, and matched his qualifying time from the race final month. A number of good work accomplished, together with progress made in producing rear grip and turning that are two areas we actually needed to enhance. Additionally, the electronics engineers have labored on some new methods to help with smoother management for the riders. Testing is hard on the group with 5 bikes within the pit field shared between two riders and elements being swapped side-to-side, and so they’ve all executed an excellent job.”

Danilo Petrucci recorded a 1m38.470, three-tenths shy of van der Mark, however that could be a good start line for the vastly skilled Italian as he adapts to the German equipment.

This check was the primary alternative to see Uri Pallarès and Axel Bassani working collectively. Pallarès would be the Italian rider’s new crew chief for 2026.

Axel Bassani

We did sooner or later of testing at Jerez and I felt slightly sick so after two or three laps of every pitlane exit I began to really feel it. However, we did lots of laps, 73, and we accomplished lots of work. We tried some new objects and it was additionally my first time working with Uri, my new crew chief. The check at Jerez was fairly constructive and the tempo was not dangerous. Just like some others. Certain, we have to enhance lots however the begin level shouldn’t be dangerous. Now there’s the winter break so we are able to calm down a bit earlier than we begin testing once more in January.”

Uri Pallares – Crew Chief for Axel Bassani

“This was the primary day of Axel and I working collectively and it takes time for him to get to know me, and for me to grasp his request for what he must go quick on the bike and his method he gives suggestions. However, I’m fairly completely satisfied as a result of we adopted the check plan and we labored slightly bit with completely different balances on the bike. I’ve to say that in the present day Axel was not in his greatest bodily situation as a result of he had a fever. After two or three laps he lacked some vitality, so he struggled slightly however with that. However, he did an excellent job and, as all the time, he stayed with a full dedication to work. On the finish we had been each proud of how issues went and we now have some concepts for January. It’s simply the beginning. I loved working with him lots, and all the fellows. Total, I’m completely satisfied. That is just the start however we are able to take some positives. I really feel we’re on a great way.”

Marcel Duinker additionally took half within the check in his new position as Observe Engineer, supporting the racing actions of bimota and Kawasaki along with his in depth engineering abilities and expertise.

Stefano Manzi continued his adaptation to the Superbike equipment in what was solely his second check with the Yamaha R1. The 2025 WorldSSP Champion posted his greatest lap in 1’39.442 (lap 84), putting him seventh total and giving the group a stable base of knowledge.

Stefano Manzi

“To begin with, I’d wish to ship my greatest needs or a fast restoration to Remy! Then, speaking in regards to the check, it was good to be again on the bike and to finish two stable days of testing. I’m persevering with to get used to the Yamaha R1 and to the entire crew round me, which is de facto constructive. Similar to within the first check, the principle purpose was to place in laps and construct feeling with the bike, and I feel we made some good progress. Sadly, we’ll now have to attend till subsequent yr earlier than getting again on monitor, however that’s really factor: we’re doing job, and we’re all trying ahead to what’s subsequent. We all know we have to take issues step-by-step and keep affected person. For now, I’ll get pleasure from a little bit of relaxation and hold coaching onerous to be absolutely prepared for 2026!”

Adapting to the BMW WorldSBK this week was Miguel Oliveira, the long-term MotoGP rider placing in loads of laps throughout the 2 days earlier than ending with a better of 1m38.891 to rank ninth on the mixed timesheets.

The quickest of the Honda contingent was MotoGP exile Somkiat Chantra.

The Thai rider bested common HRC Check rider Tetsuta Nagashima and new recruit Jake Dixon. Honda’s BSB riders additionally joined the motion.

Somkiat Chantra

“It was very good for me to participate on this first check with the Honda HRC group. We labored on many issues collectively, and I additionally centered on myself, making an attempt to be taught the bike and perceive the tyres. We accomplished many laps to grasp every little thing step-by-step, and every day we had been in a position to enhance, which made me actually completely satisfied as a result of every little thing we tried introduced one thing constructive. My important purpose now’s to do extra laps and construct my feeling with the CBR, particularly beneath braking and when stopping the bike, which remains to be a bit troublesome for me in the meanwhile, however with extra time I’m certain the boldness will come. The GP bike and the CBR1000RR-R are very completely different, however on this check we already tried to work with the ability in a method that feels a bit extra just like what I used to be used to, and in the present day it went in course. We simply want extra time to proceed working, and total I’m very proud of the check and with the assist from the group.”

Each Dixon and Chantra accomplished over 100 laps every throughout the 2 days, together with some lengthy runs, starting to construct confidence with their respective machines and crews. This was the principle goal of the check and allowed the riders to supply their preliminary suggestions to the engineers, focusing primarily on ergonomics, electronics, basic setup and driving confidence.

Jake Dixon

“It has been a very good first check for me as a Honda HRC rider. It feels nice to be again on an enormous bike once more and having that energy is very nice, however it’s additionally a large studying curve. I had a few crashes whereas making an attempt to grasp every little thing and work out precisely how issues work, which typically simply occurs. Even so, I couldn’t be happier with the group – they’re incredible, extremely skilled, and it’s the primary time I’ve had so many individuals working round me, which is very nice. I’m simply going to wish a while to adapt. This bike calls for respect, and I’m studying each minute as a result of when you don’t respect her, she bites. Nonetheless, it has been an excellent two days: I accomplished lots of laps, together with lengthy runs, and we labored lots with the toughest tyre. I didn’t strive a qualifying tyre; we caught with the onerous choice, and that’s how we ended the check. Coming from Moto2, adapting to a WorldSBK machine is truthfully loopy completely different, particularly with how a lot you’ll be able to change on the electronics in comparison with what we now have in Moto2. I want extra time to learn to extract that one quick lap, however by way of rhythm I’m not too dangerous. I’m trying ahead to persevering with this journey and progressing as a World Superbike rider.”

Additionally on monitor this week was Taiyo Furusato on a Moto2 machine. The Japanese rider recorded a 1m40.232.

The quickest of the World Supersport riders this week was Kawasaki’s Jeremy Alcoba, forward of Honda’s Corentin Perolari and Ducati’s Matteo Ferrari. Solely two-tenths coated that trio.

Jeremy Alcoba

“I’m proud of the check after some days of ‘reset’ after the top of the season. I didn’t count on to be as quick as I used to be so, sure, I’m proud of the work. We labored lots with the SCX tyre on day one, as a result of the climate was good. On the finish the grip was super-good. Day one was extra windy and Thursday had nicer climate. We began to really feel some chatter, just like the bike was pushing the entrance, however then the group did a very good job once they labored on that. We didn’t do lots of laps, however I feel this was extra of a check for high quality than amount. I’m completely satisfied as a result of within the laps that we did we discovered all the issues and all of the options, and we examined all of the issues that we wanted to. On the finish, we completed with lap time and good tempo.”

After ‘driving solo’ with Alcoba in 2025, the Kawasaki WorldSSP Workforce has expanded to incorporate double FIM Supersport World Champion Aegerter for 2026, with every rider competing on the Ninja ZX-6R 636. Aegerter used the 2 days to refamiliarise himself with the smaller capability equipment. It was additionally the primary time the Swiss rider had ridden in earnest since struggling a coaching accident that triggered him to overlook the ultimate races of the latest WorldSBK season.

Dominique Aegerter

“We had two days of testing with the Kawasaki WorldSSP Workforce and I wanted some laps to get used to driving a Supersport bike once more. It was not really easy to return from WorldSBK to WorldSSP and I wanted some laps to get used to the engine, braking factors and the racing strains. They’re fairly completely different. The sensation with the group was nice and for me they’re all new individuals. So, first it’s important to get slightly little bit of connection and confidence with them. Additionally with the electronics man and the information man, we have to see how they work, how I work, what I must adapt in my driving type to the bike and what they will change on the bike to adapt it to my driving type. After six or seven weeks off of a motorbike, as a result of I broke a metacarpal bone in my hand, I felt slightly bit stiff this morning. However, it was good to have a check now in November, as a result of there are lots of issues to do. Now we now have some knowledge to work on. For me, this check was constructive. And I’m now actually trying ahead to coaching at residence, having a small vacation, slightly break after which be absolutely motivated and prepared for 2026. I’ll give my greatest. A giant due to the group as a result of they made an excellent job, labored effectively and I’m completely satisfied to journey for the Kawasaki WorldSSP Workforce.”

Now the normal winter break from monitor motion begins, with most riders returning to motion for an additional check at Jerez, between 21-22 January 2026.

The primary aggressive spherical of the brand new FIM Superbike World Championship season will probably be at Phillip Island in Australia, between 20-22 February.

WorldSBK Jerez Check Occasions
November 26-27, 2025

1. Alex Lowes – Bimota 1m37.824
2. Xavi Vierge – Yamaha 1m38.058
3. Michael van der Mark – BMW 1m38.125
4. Andrea Locatelli – Yamaha 1m38.135
5. Danilo Petrucci – BMW 1m38.470
6. Axel Bassani – Bimota 1m38.585
7. Stefano Manzi – Yamaha 1m38.607
8. Miguel Oliveira – BMW 1m38.891
9. Xavi Fores – Bimota 1m39.201
10. Somkiat Chantra – Honda 1m39.495
11. Tetsuta Nagashima – Honda 1m39.610
12. Jake Dixon – Honda 1m39.808
13. Twan Smits – Yamaha 1m40.350
14. Ryan Vickers – Honda 1m40.654
15. Jason O’Halloran – Honda 1m41.577

WorldSSP Jerez Check Occasions
November 26-27, 2025

1. Jeremy Alcoba – Kawasaki 1m42.167
2. Corentin Perolari – Honda 1m42.218
3. Matteo Ferrari – Ducati 1m42.382
4. Dominique Aegerter – Kawasaki 1m43.492
5. Luke Stapleford – Ducati 1m43.585
6. Dirk Geiger – ?? 1m43.716
7. Riccardo Rossi – Ducati 1m43.957
8. Ana Carrasco – Honda 1m44.077
9. Petr Svoboda – Ducati 1m44.696

2026 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship calendar

2026 World Superbike Championship Entry Record