WSBK: 2026 Season Begins with Private Test at Jerez

Back in action: WorldSBK grid gathers in Jerez for first private test of 2026.

The 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season officially got underway at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, as teams and riders returned for the first private test of the year. Persistent rain throughout the day significantly limited track time, with 2025 runner-up Nicolo Bulega (Aruba Racing Ducati) choosing not to venture out on track. Even so, the session allowed teams to carry out initial baseline checks, assess new working structures, and begin early evaluation work ahead of the season opener in Australia next month.

Day 1 results:

1. Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’52.976

2. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +1.218s

3. Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +1.284s

4. Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +2.068s

5. Iker Lecuona (Aruba Racing Ducati) +2.629s

6. Xavi Fores (BbKRT bimota) +2.941s

BbKRT_Jerez_Test_Wednesday_January_21st_2026

Danilo Petrucci (9). Photo courtesy Dorna

Productive running in difficult conditions saw Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) make the most of the day, setting a best lap of 1’52.976 to top the timesheets at the end of Day 1.

Miguel Oliveira (88). Photo courtesy Dorna

Early laps of the new season came for Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) as the Portuguese rider continued his adaptation to the BMW M 1000 RR during a rain-affected opening day, completing 31 laps and finishing third overall.

Stefano Manzi (62). Photo courtesy Dorna

Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was quick to settle into his programme, running consistently before conditions worsened later in the session and concluding the day in fourth position.

Jake Dixon (Honda HRC) continued his familiarisation programme on the CBR1000RR-R, completing steady mileage in challenging conditions and ending Day 1 ninth overall.

Andrea Locatelli (55). Photo courtesy Dorna

Pata Maxus Yamaha focused on groundwork and early data collection, with Andrea Locatelli finishing seventh and Xavi Vierge placing 12th at the end of the opening day.

Alvaro Bautista (19). Photo courtesy Dorna

Wearing his new colours, Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) worked through initial set-up evaluation during the first private test of 2026, concluding the day eighth fastest.

Development work continued for bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team, with Axel Bassani and test rider Xavi Fores sharing track time on the KB998 Rimini.