Joining the Aprilia World Superbike team at a private two-day test at Jerez de la Frontera circuit in Spain, was also BMW Motorrad GoldBet’s Chaz Davies (GBR) who got another chance in testing the BMW S 1000 RR after the opening round at Phillip Island, where he finished 4th in race 1 and 17th in race 2 after crashing out, then suffering a tire puncture that forced him to pit to change the tire and then received a ride-through penalty.
BMW did not release any lap times, however Davies completed 489 kilometres (114 laps) between Thursday and Friday, working mainly on electronic strategies in order to further improve the rideability of the BMW S 1000 RR.
“We accomplished a lot of work over the last two days and it was a very productive test.
We fully focused on working on the electronics and tested a lot of new strategies.
It was really interesting and we came up with solutions that have a lot of potential.
There is some more work needed but we have another test in a couple of weeks.
I think all was very positive, everybody has worked well and I am reasonably happy,” said Davies.
While the team was at it they also had Marco Melandri give another health update.
The Italian was not present at the test as he still recovering from his shoulder surgery.
“My recovery is proceeding well and according to plan.
I am training in the pool and – carefully – in the gym.
Overall, I am satisfied.
Some movements that caused pain before the surgery are no longer a problem.
I still have some bone pain, but that is normal after the operation.
Now I have to work on fully recovering the joint and the muscle tone.
Yesterday I had an ultrasound examination and a visit to Dr.
Porcellini, and he was positive as well.
Unfortunately I could not join the team for the tests but we are regularly in touch so I was constantly updated on how the tests proceeded and which solutions they were finding,” commented Melandri.