The rain finally stayed away for the first day (Monday) of World Superbike testing at the Jerez circuit.
The teams present for the three-day session before the mandatory test ban goes into effect from December 1st to January 15th, include Kawasaki, Aprilia, Red Devils Roma and Pata Honda.
The fastest rider of the day turned to be Tom Sykes, who reportedly posted a best lap of 1.
41.
3, but the Kawasaki team for some odd reason decided not to use transponders on their Ninja’s so the lap times for both Sykes and Loris Baz – fourth fastest – are unofficial.
Kawasaki is testing electronics, engine and making comparison tests between Showa and Ohlins suspensions.
Michel Fabrizio now riding the Aprilia RSV4 for Red Devils Roma team was second and more than eight tenths of second behind Sykes, but ahead of Aprilia factory rider Eugene Laverty.
Despite not having made any official announcement yet on who will replace retired World Champion Max Biaggi next season, Aprilia had the much expected Sylvain Guintoli testing – especially after he turned down Suzuki at the last minute.
The Frenchman posted a best time of 1.
42.
838 that put him in a very respectable fifth after his first day on the RSV4.
Pata Honda riders Leon Haslam and Jonathan Rea were 6th and 7th, in 1.
42.
954 and 1.
43.
233 respectively and with the Irishman working on a new swingarm and electronics.
Testing continues today, and on Wednesday Alstare Ducati, BMW Goldbet and Ducati’s factory and satellite MotoGP teams and Avintia Blusens CRT squad will also be sharing the track.