BMW Motorrad World Superbike team, with Leon Haslam and Marco Melandri spent two days at Valencia testing preparing for the start of the 2012 season after the long test ban, verifying the latest version of the BMW S 1000RR engine and updated electronics software package and new parts which will now allow them to fine tuning the chassis and electronics.
Despite the very cool air and track temperatures (15°c -18°C) the team completed a total of 950 kilometres of testing on the 2012 race version of the RR and both riders seemed positive about the outcome of the test.
“We got through everything that we needed to go through, so I am very positive.
These two days were important.
We have a lot of new things for this year and it was good to test before we go to Phillip Island.
In addition, it was good to get a few laps under our belts and get up to speed again.
We definitely made big steps and are much further ahead compared to last year.
It really is a stronger package and we still have five more days to test in Australia to dial it all in.
” said Leon Haslam.
While new team mate Marco Melandri said, “The testing of the updated electronics was very encouraging.
We checked if everything is working well before we go to Australia, and the result was good.
Of course we still need to improve in some areas.
In entering corners, I still need some more confidence on the bike in order to push properly, but we are all working very hard and I am sure that we will find a solution at the next test in Australia.
Phillip Island is not an easy track, so it is important to be confident with the bike to be able to go into the corners very fast.
In the next two weeks I will keep in contact with the team and we will analyse the data from the test to prepare for Australia.
In addition, I will do a lot of training.
” The team will now travel to Phillip Island for a private test that will be held from the 13th to the 15th February and then take part in official Infront Test on February 20th and 21st just one week ahead of the season opener.