Recapping this week’s two-day WorldSBK Check at Jerez

WorldSBK Jerez Check
November 26-27, 2025

A lot of the 2026 WorldSBK contingent had been on observe 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 uncertain of who slotted in smooth rubber to set a benchmark, however on the finish of the take a look at, it was Bimota’s Alex Lowes on prime with a 1m37.824. That compares to the 1m37.587s set by Nicolo Bulega throughout testing late final month. 

Alex Lowes

“We had a optimistic day. The observe was actually chilly this morning with some damp patches, particularly at T8 and a little bit bit within the final nook. We took our time earlier than we went on observe however regardless that we began at 11.30 we nonetheless managed to set 76 laps. We continued the work we began within the take a look at after the final race and likewise tried a number of issues, and a extra concepts. We had some good things with the electronics. Sander, my electronics man, has been working laborious and we tried a few new issues to assist in nook entry, to provide me some confidence. They had been good. I believe, total, evaluating the final race of 2025 to now we have now made some steps ahead. We’ve got to watch out, as a result of the observe circumstances at Jerez change a lot and the observe is basically grippy, so the lap occasions are quick. This implies we can’t get too excited however I do suppose we have now made the bike a little bit bit higher because the final race, which was our goal. Now we are able to give attention to the January exams and maintain making an attempt to maneuver the mission ahead. General, I’m actually glad.”

Pere Riba – Crew Chief for Alex Lowes

“Our take a look at was optimistic. On day one we examined all day with Xavi Fores and we confirmed most of the objects that we wished to. Xavi was as quick as he had ever been at Jerez, which was superb. After we began with Alex it was very optimistic. It’s a must to watch out in winter testing while you attempt new objects as a result of the observe is cool and it performs nicely, due to the temperature. We tried some issues for the 2026 spec and Alex left the take a look at with a superb smile on his face. That is a very powerful factor. It looks like we have now made a step ahead within the total package deal. He completed the take a look at because the quickest rider, and with a superb feeling. General, it was optimistic. Now we have now a brief break, then Christmas time, and we’ll take pleasure in being at residence for a little bit bit. However, we’re already targeted on the January exams the place we have now 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 take a look at rider whereas Vierge continued to be taught his approach across the YZF-R1M after spending latest seasons astride a Fireblade.

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

Andrea Locatelli

“It was a superb take a look at, however at the moment the circumstances of the observe had been altering rapidly – totally different even in comparison with yesterday, however I believe what we did across the bike was very optimistic. I used to be capable of take a assured feeling and experience a superb rhythm. A optimistic day, we all know that the colder circumstances assist us a bit – it isn’t actually scorching prefer it was through the race weekend – however we understood rather a lot. Now we have now a clearer course to attempt to take one other step in January. The lap time and on the whole the efficiency, we all know it’s fairly good however my strategy is a bit conservative as we received’t know for positive till we attempt at a special circuit and in numerous circumstances. We tried numerous totally different elements and new setting course, working particularly on the rear to enhance the grip and test 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 nicely and I’m glad!”

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

Paul Denning – Staff Principal – Pata Maxus Yamaha

“It’s been a really stable take a look at, 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 an enormous quantity of labor with each of the riders – a totally new recruit, Xavi Vierge, and Andrea Locatelli who goes into his sixth 12 months with us in Pata Maxus Yamaha. No accidents and no sturdiness issues, so we’ve been capable of actually give attention to improvement and testing numerous new objects that Yamaha has delivered for us to have the ability to take an vital 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 occasions round Jerez each on race tyres and on the qualifying tyre. Constant rhythm, nice suggestions – a cheerful rider and glad group! We haven’t confronted any main challenges collectively to this point and we’re loving having him as a part of the group. Loka in fact already is aware of the R1 inside and outside, and was given numerous new improvement objects to attempt. He additionally carried out very nicely with a finest time on the race tyre additionally within the 1’38s, and matched his qualifying time from the race final month. Numerous good work accomplished, together with progress made in producing rear grip and turning that are two areas we actually wished 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 parts being swapped side-to-side, and so they’ve all carried out a superb job.”

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

This take a look at 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 a little bit sick so after two or three laps of every pitlane exit I began to really feel it. However, we did numerous laps, 73, and we accomplished numerous work. We tried some new objects and it was additionally my first time working with Uri, my new crew chief. The take a look at at Jerez was fairly optimistic and the tempo was not unhealthy. Just like some others. Certain, we have to enhance rather a lot however the begin level shouldn’t be unhealthy. Now there may be 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 know his request for what he must go quick on the bike and his approach he offers suggestions. However, I’m fairly glad as a result of we adopted the take a look at plan and we labored a little bit bit with totally different balances on the bike. I’ve to say that at the moment Axel was not in his finest bodily situation as a result of he had a fever. After two or three laps he lacked some power, so he struggled a little bit 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 pleased with how issues went and we have now some concepts for January. It’s simply the beginning. I loved working with him rather a lot, and all the fellows. General, I’m glad. That is only 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 take a look at in his new position as Monitor Engineer, supporting the racing actions of bimota and Kawasaki along with his intensive engineering expertise and expertise.

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

Stefano Manzi

“To start with, I’d prefer to ship my finest needs or a fast restoration to Remy! Then, speaking concerning the take a look at, 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 basically optimistic. Similar to within the first take a look at, the principle objective was to place in laps and construct feeling with the bike, and I believe we made some good progress. Sadly, we’ll now have to attend till subsequent 12 months earlier than getting again on observe, however that’s truly a superb factor: we’re doing a superb job, and we’re all wanting ahead to what’s subsequent. We all know we have to take issues step-by-step and keep affected person. For now, I’ll take pleasure in a little bit of relaxation and maintain coaching laborious 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 take a look at with the Honda HRC group. We labored on many issues collectively, and I additionally targeted on myself, making an attempt to be taught the bike and perceive the tyres. We accomplished many laps to know all the pieces step-by-step, and every day we had been capable of enhance, which made me actually glad as a result of all the pieces we tried introduced one thing optimistic. My important objective now’s to do extra laps and construct my feeling with the CBR, particularly underneath braking and when stopping the bike, which remains to be a bit troublesome for me in the intervening time, however with extra time I’m positive the boldness will come. The GP bike and the CBR1000RR-R are very totally different, however on this take a look at we already tried to work with the ability in a approach that feels a bit extra much like what I used to be used to, and at the moment it went in a superb course. We simply want extra time to proceed working, and total I’m very pleased with the take a look at 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 take a look at and allowed the riders to offer 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 take a look at 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, but it surely’s additionally an enormous studying curve. I had a few crashes whereas making an attempt to know all the pieces and work out precisely how issues work, which typically simply occurs. Even so, I couldn’t be happier with the group – they’re improbable, 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 in the event you don’t respect her, she bites. Nonetheless, it has been an important two days: I accomplished numerous laps, together with lengthy runs, and we labored rather a lot with the toughest tyre. I didn’t attempt a qualifying tyre; we caught with the laborious possibility, and that’s how we ended the take a look at. Coming from Moto2, adapting to a WorldSBK machine is truthfully loopy totally different, particularly with how a lot you possibly can change on the electronics in comparison with what we have now in Moto2. I would like extra time to discover ways to extract that one quick lap, however by way of rhythm I’m not too unhealthy. I’m wanting ahead to persevering with this journey and progressing as a World Superbike rider.”

Additionally on observe 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 lined that trio.

Jeremy Alcoba

“I’m pleased with the take a look at 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 pleased with the work. We labored rather a lot 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 after they labored on that. We didn’t do numerous laps, however I believe this was extra of a take a look at for high quality than amount. I’m glad 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 a superb lap time and good tempo.”

After ‘driving solo’ with Alcoba in 2025, the Kawasaki WorldSSP Staff 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 precipitated him to overlook the ultimate races of the latest WorldSBK season.

Dominique Aegerter

“We had two days of testing with the Kawasaki WorldSSP Staff 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 totally different. The sensation with the group was nice and for me they’re all new folks. So, first it’s important to get a little bit 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 have to adapt in my driving fashion to the bike and what they’ll change on the bike to adapt it to my driving fashion. After six or seven weeks off of a motorbike, as a result of I broke a metacarpal bone in my hand, I felt a little bit bit stiff this morning. However, it was good to have a take a look at now in November, as a result of there are numerous issues to do. Now we have now some knowledge to work on. For me, this take a look at was optimistic. And I’m now actually wanting ahead to coaching at residence, having a small vacation, a little bit break after which be absolutely motivated and prepared for 2026. I’ll give my finest. A giant because of the group as a result of they made an important job, labored nicely and I’m glad to experience for the Kawasaki WorldSSP Staff.”

Now the standard winter break from observe motion begins, with most riders returning to motion for one more take a look at at Jerez, between 21-22 January 2026.

The primary aggressive spherical of the brand new FIM Superbike World Championship season shall 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