Racing News |
KRT and Rea Test at Jerez
Kawasaki Racing Team rider Jonathan Rea made use of a clear weather window on Thursday 11 February to test the exciting new Ninja ZX-10RR at Jerez in Spain.
Rea set good lap times on the latest development of the new WorldSBK spec machine, despite lingering damp patches of asphalt around some areas of the circuit. He rode alone today, as his regular KRT team-mate Alex Lowes was unable to join him on track after suffering a small training injury to his shoulder on Saturday.
The final plan for this KRT track outing was for Rea to ride on Wednesday 10th but with wet weather arriving in the south of Spain the test was re-scheduled to start one day later, when track conditions had improved enough to allow meaningful data to be gathered.
Rea made use of the almost dry afternoon track surface and posted a total of 40 laps, with his best time of 1’40.6 being set on race tyres. The next track outing for the KRT WorldSBK squad is scheduled for Portimao, in Portugal, on 4 and 5 March.
Jonathan Rea, stated: “It has been so nice to ride my bike after what feels like such a long time. I want to really thank my team for the huge effort to be here. Travelling in this moment is difficult for everybody. We intended to test on Wednesday but we got bad weather. We made another effort to stay and we got some productive laps in on Thursday. I thank them for the huge effort – everybody - and it was such a positive test. We had to confirm some items we had been working on in the off-season and I had a really good feeling. The track wasn’t in perfect condition because some corners were still damp but I was able to understand the bike, understand the changes, and give lots of good information and data to the engineers. It did not take me so long to get into the swing of things. I am leaving the test very happy with what we have done and I feel great on the bike. The work I have been doing at home has been paying off as well and I am looking forward to riding again.”
Pere Riba, Crew Chief for Jonathan Rea, stated: “We finally got to test after the rain and we got to almost three hours on track in the afternoon. It was important as we had some things to test on the engine side; different maps and electronics that we had been working a lot with in the winter. It was very important to test - but to test in dry conditions. It did not make sense in wet conditions. This afternoon we were able to test all the things we wanted to. We collected all the information and I am very happy. These kinds of things request the understanding and feeling of the rider and I am pleased to leave from with some laps completed and we can use the data to make the next steps. The lap times were not a reference level, as some corners of the track were a little bit damp. The track was not fully dry but it was good enough. Johnny is leaving from this test happy and with a good feeling. Of course we have to confirm these things at other tracks, when we go to test there. Overall, this was a good test and I am happy.”
Guim Roda, KRT Team Manager, stated: “We knew that Ducati and HRC were testing at Jerez so we decided to share this test with them. It was raining yesterday but this morning we realised we could make a few laps in the afternoon, so it has been useful. Inside the new rules, that allow a maximum of ten testing days, this now counts as a half day of testing. We used this half day to check a few points we considered would be interesting for Jonathan to understand the bike development for 2021. It was a useful test and we have gathered more information. Regarding Alex, he had been testing and training around Barcelona, to prepare for the start of the season, but he had a small crash while flat track riding. He hit his shoulder and damaged it a little bit. Because he could not stay at 100% we considered that it would not be useful for him to make laps if he cannot ride at his full performance. We prefer him to recover for the next two weeks. At the next test in Portimao, it will be another chance for him.”