Lowes tops the timesheets as Jerez test wraps up ahead of January action
As winter testing continues to shape early 2026 preparations, teams and riders concluded two productive days of running at Jerez. Attention now turns to the next winter testing, with the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto hosting another test on 21-22 January 2026, followed by two further days at Autodromo Internacional do Algarve on 28-29 January 2026.
Key Points from Day 2
Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) topped the timesheets with a 1:37.824, a lap comparable to his race pace from the 2025 Spanish Round.
Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) continued to shine in blue, securing second place only 0.234 seconds behind Lowes as he continues adapting to the Yamaha R1.
Michael van der Mark (BMW) finished third with a 1:38.125 after completing 72 laps.
Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) evaluated a revised swingarm and a second test bike, closing out the day in fourth place.
Danilo Petrucci and Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) both worked through a structured testing plan with new technical staff, finishing fifth and eighth respectively.
Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) completed his first test day with new crew chief Uri Pallares, finishing sixth as the team experimented with new parts and settings.
Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) completed a productive day, placing seventh and continuing his adaptation to the Yamaha R1.
Honda HRC focused on familiarization work for Somkiat Chantra and Jake Dixon, who collectively completed more than 120 laps; Dixon experienced two harmless off-track excursions at Turn 2 and Turn 5.
The combined top six permanent grid riders from both days of the Jerez Test:
1. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) 1:37.825s
2. Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) +0.233s
3. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) +0.309s
4. Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.645s
5. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.759s
6. Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +0.781s
More, from a press release issued by GYTR GRT Yamaha:
The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team returned to action at the Circuito de Jerez–Ángel Nieto in Spain for a productive two-day private test, with Stefano Manzi completing extensive mileage aboard the Yamaha R1.
Manzi made the most of the fully dry conditions on Day 1, with uninterrupted track time available from 10:00 to 18:00. The Italian immediately hit the asphalt in the morning session, continuing his adaptation to the Superbike machinery in what was only his second test with the Yamaha R1. He completed 95 laps throughout the day, showing consistent improvement. In the final runs, the 2025 WorldSSP Champion posted his best lap in 1’39.442 (lap 84), placing him seventh overall and giving the team a solid base of data.
The positive weather continued into Day 2, allowing Manzi and the team to carry on their program without interruption. The #62 rider demonstrated notable progress, improving his pace by almost a full second from the previous day. He clocked a strong 1’38.606, completing 72 laps to place himself seventh again overall, bringing his total over the two days to 167 laps.
On the other side of the garage, Remy Gardner did not take part in the Jerez test due to a shoulder injury sustained in a training incident. The Australian rider is now focused on achieving full recovery and is expected to return to action in 2026.
Stefano Manzi
“First of all, I’d like to send my best wishes or a quick recovery to Remy! Then, talking about the test, it was nice to be back on the bike and to complete two solid days of testing. I’m continuing to get used to the Yamaha R1 and to the whole crew around me, which is really positive. Just like in the first test, the main goal was to put in laps and build feeling with the bike, and I think we made some good progress. Unfortunately, we’ll now have to wait until next year before getting back on track, but that’s actually a good thing: we’re doing a good job, and we’re all looking forward to what’s next. We know we need to take things step by step and stay patient. For now, I’ll enjoy a bit of rest and keep training hard to be fully ready for 2026!”
