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The Superbike winter has been a nightmare for both the teams and riders, since the weather really messed up their plans. That's why, as they wait for the second round of the season at the end of March in Portimão, the Superbikes will be on the Portuguese track this Friday and Saturday for a two-day test organized by BMW.
We'll be seeing all the factory teams in action, but the spotlight will mostly be on Toprak Razgatlioglu, just back from an unhappy Phillip Island. Apart from a second place in Race 1, the Turkish rider wasn't able to get points in Sunday's Superpole Race nor in Race 2. He even had to withdraw. And, in all this, let's not forget his violent highside in Monday's pre-race tests.
The fact remains that the Australian stage really annoyed the world champion, to the point of stating: "It's not normal that all these Ducatis are up in front, because this is the Superbike and not the Ducati Cup. From the outside, I don't think anyone enjoys watching this spectacle. If this situation continues, I don't think I'll continue racing in this Championship."
Toprak's words were clear and concise as he seeks a breakthrough riding the BMW during the two days of testing, but far from the one seen last season considering, among other things, the chassis that was changed after FIM's rejection. There's going to be plenty of work to do, and Friday and Saturday promise to be crucial, to say the least, in view of the challenge against Nicolò Bulega, the absolute matador of Phillip Island, with a hat trick riding the Panigale V4.
Among the riders in action, we'll also see Andrea Iannone - who raced the least during the winter - without forgetting Danilo Petrucci and Yari Montella. Lowes' and Bassani's Bimotas also answered the roll call, as did Gerloff with his Kawasaki. Instead, there's great anticipation at Yamaha for Augusto Fernandez who'll be riding the Yamaha R1, replacing Johnny Rea, who's injured.
The start of the season has been one to forget for Yamaha and, at Portimão, a turnaround is nothing short of mandatory.
Finally, Honda rider Iker Lecuona won't be present during the two-day test, since he fractured the fourth metatarsal of his left foot. We'll be seeing Xavi Vierge working on development.
The tests will start at 10 a.m. and end at 6 p.m.
