Bulega Sets the Early Benchmark
The curtain has barely fallen on the 2025 WorldSBK season, yet preparations for 2026 are already well underway. Teams and riders were back on track this week at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, marking the official start of winter testing for the 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship.
Day 1 – Bulega on Top
It was Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) who immediately set the tone for the off-season, topping the timesheets on the opening day with a blistering 1’38.027, set with just 40 minutes remaining in the session. The Italian’s lap was quicker than his best race laps from both of the 2025 Pirelli Spanish Round races — a strong signal that Ducati’s new-spec Panigale is already performing at a high level.
Bulega’s new teammate Iker Lecuona, fresh from his move from Honda, made his Ducati debut and finished a solid seventh fastest with a 1’39.520, as he familiarized himself with the V4 R after years aboard the CBR1000RR-R.
Meanwhile, Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) impressed on his own team debut, leading the Yamaha contingent with the second fastest time of 1’39.137. Vierge, who switched to Yamaha after several seasons with Honda, completed 63 laps and looked immediately comfortable on the R1.
Another standout performer was Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team). The reigning WorldSSP Champion made his first outing as a full-time WorldSBK rider and ended the day third fastest with a 1’39.349 — the quickest among all Yamaha riders. The Italian also logged an astonishing 95 laps, more than any other rider, maximizing his first opportunity aboard the superbike.
Strong Yamaha Presence
It was a strong showing overall for Yamaha, with Bahattin Sofuoglu (Yamaha Motoxracing) continuing his impressive progress into his second full WorldSBK campaign. The Turkish rider posted the fourth best time (1’39.433) and completed 71 laps, showing consistency and pace. His new teammate Mattia Rato, stepping up from the European Superstock paddock, made his WorldSBK debut and completed 60 laps, placing 14th overall with a 1’41.243 as he steadily adapted to the R1.
Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) finished the day fifth fastest (1’39.479) after focusing heavily on electronics and chassis settings. The Yamaha trio of Vierge, Manzi, and Locatelli all circulated together during the closing stages, providing useful comparative data for the team’s development direction.
BMW, Kawasaki, and Honda Also in Action
With BMW’s new factory riders unavailable for this test, Michael van der Mark represented the German manufacturer. The experienced Dutchman, who has been part of BMW’s project since 2021, ended the session sixth fastest (1’39.492) after 57 laps — a strong effort given limited preparation.
Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) began his second season with the manufacturer by logging 61 laps and finishing eighth overall (1’39.689). The American concentrated on rear-grip consistency and throttle mapping as he looks to refine his ZX-10RR setup for 2026.
His Yamaha counterpart from 2025, Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha), completed the top ten, ending ninth fastest with a 1’39.695 as he continued to recover physically from a crash sustained in the final round at Jerez.
Ryan Vickers also made his first appearance in a new role as Honda HRC’s official test rider, putting in 57 laps on the CBR1000RR-R and recording a best of 1’39.979, placing him tenth overall.
Behind them, veteran Javi Forés (Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) completed a busy test program, finishing 11th and 12th across two runs, while Corentin Perolari and Alan Techer added valuable mileage for Honda’s test team.
WorldSSP Riders Join the Action
There was also some Supersport representation at Jerez, with Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) leading the WorldSSP riders on the timesheets. The German set a best lap of 1’42.632, ahead of Simon Jespersen (EAB Racing Team), who finished with a 1’43.907.
Ducati’s 2026 Evolution
According to Ducati Technical Coordinator Marco Zambenedetti, the 2026 Panigale V4 R seen at Jerez incorporates “extensive updates” across multiple areas — including revised aerodynamics, chassis geometry, suspension components, and a reworked electronics suite. Engine upgrades are also part of the evolution, aimed at improving both top-end power delivery and tire management over race distance.
A Day of New Beginnings
The Jerez test marked several key debuts and reunions. Former teammates Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge, once both at Honda, took their first steps with their new Ducati and Yamaha outfits respectively.
Stefano Manzi, fresh off his WorldSSP title triumph, began his new chapter in WorldSBK with the GRT Yamaha squad, while Mattia Rato officially joined the premier class alongside Sofuoglu at Yamaha Motoxracing.
For Gerloff, the test was an important starting point ahead of his sophomore year with Kawasaki, and for Michael van der Mark, it was a welcome return to familiar territory as he continued BMW’s development efforts in the absence of the factory riders.
The first day at Jerez offered a glimpse into what’s shaping up to be an intriguing 2026 WorldSBK season — one already brimming with fresh storylines, returning stars, and plenty of renewed optimism.
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