Garrett Gerloff and Jeremy Alcoba have completed a two-day test at the Misano World Circuit ahead of the sixth WorldSBK and WorldSSP rounds that will take place at the same Italian track on 13-15 June.
This was an important test session for the two factory Kawasaki riders, competing in WorldSBK and WorldSSP respectively, during which they were able to better understand their bikes and test new components that will heighten their competitiveness.
Having set a best of 1’33”782 on Tuesday, the American was able to improve on that reference today, putting in a fastest time of 1’33”510. Likewise for the Spaniard, who improved on his day one best of 1’37”905 with a reference of 1’37”716.
Beyond the lap times, both riders were able to refine the set of their bikes, identifying a solid base on which to build heading into the race weekend, which will see Gerloff and Alcoba tackle round six, which is also a second and final home round for Manuel Puccetti’s team.
Manuel Puccetti – Team Principal
“We’ve had two very positive test days. On race tyres, Gerloff was consistently inside the top ten, which proves he’s taken a step forward. In fact, his best lap put him just seven tenths from third in the final standings. We were also pleased with Alcoba’s test. With the support of his technicians he tested many new components, preparing in the best possible way for the next home round, at a track that he knows very well, unlike Cremona and Most. We’re excited and ready to take on the second round in Italy.”
Garrett Gerloff
“Our work with the race tyre allowed us to find great pace, which will be key for the upcoming Misano round. I’m still struggling in some areas and there are still aspects of the bike to improve, but the last two days have shown us that we’re on the right path and need to continue to work and focus just as we’ve been doing. I can’t wait to race in front of our home crowd and our sponsors.”
Jeremy Alcoba
“Two really important days, in which we’ve tried many things and found solutions that we’ll use during the next round here at Misano. The bike is increasingly competitive and, with the new components, the acceleration has improved too. We chose to focus on race pace rather than on the flying lap, and we’ll work on that during the race weekend. We’re ready for the second home round!”
