WorldSBK Catalunya test: Jonathan Rea sets the pace

March 31, 2021March 31, 2021 EMR Writer

Jonathan Rea once again proves why he’s got the number 1 plate leading the Catalan Test.

Jonathan Rea took the reigns today in the Calatan WorldSBK test leading ex-teammate Leon Haslam by a mere 0.107 as Garett Gerloff once again impresses many at the same track he took his first podium in the class. This morning it was Scott Redding who was the fastest man on track as the Superbike riders try to adapt and adjust to the new layout of the circuit before Rea stepped in once again in P1.

Leon Haslam continues to improve the Honda CBR1000RR-R following its livery reveal yesterday, the British rider now working under the guidance of Leon Camier who has stepped away from riding to become a team manager for the Honda squad. Haslam and Bautista tested torque sensors and a new exhaust system as they tried to improve electronics with Bautista finishing in P11 overall, Leon led Gerloff by a mere 0.010 as the American learns the new Yamaha R1 after riding the previous model of the Yamaha machine last year.

Scott Redding aims to take the title from the hands of Rea this year, the British rider and his teammate Michael Rinaldi tested some new seat parts with Redding finishing in P4 and Rinaldi in P8 behind rookie Jonas Folger, Folger finished the day in P7 as the second fastest BMW behind Tom Sykes in P5 as the German rider adapts from the Yamaha over to the Beemer with Toprak Razgatlioglu sat between the duo in P6.

Ducati duo Michael Rinaldi and Chaz Davies finished up in P8 and P9 with Davies making his GoEleven Ducati debut after moving from the Aruba.it team, the duo finished ahead of 2020 World Supersport champion Andrea Locatelli in P10 who completed the most laps with a total of 93 after completing various race simulations.

Alex Lowes returns from injury in P12 after injuring his shoulder in a training accident as he finishes ahead of rookies Axel Bassani in P14 and Tito Rabat in P16 who is trying to find a base setting. Loris Cresson and Eugene Laverty were absent with Cresson’s race bike not being ready and Laverty’s team not turning up despite Laverty being at the circuit.

Full Results: