Misano Hosts WorldSBK Test
S
everal WorldSBK big hitters
took to the track for a two-
day test at Misano, June 24-25,
as they embarked on what could
have been considered their first
tentative steps toward getting the
season restarted late July.
The pace of some of the top
riders was far from inhibited,
even with several restrictions and
unusual steps in place to prevent
the transmission of Covid-19
inside the paddock.
Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing
Ducati), a triple podium finisher in
his three WorldSBK races so far,
was fastest of all. His 1:33.067
was well under the track best,
while Jonathan Rea (KRT) was
claimed to be the fastest rider on
race tires, before going second
quickest overall on qualifiers with
a 1:33.206.
Rea survived a very fast fall at
the Curvone (Turn 11) on day one,
to finally get comfortable on day
two and almost keep pace with the
impressive and focused Redding.
For his own part, Redding used
a successful weight-loss program
during the lockdown to both give
himself a point of positive focus
and to make sure he arrived at this
test in the best shape possible.
An all-new track surface around
Misano, and consistently hot track
conditions, often helped and
occasionally hindered the riders'
chase for an absolute fastest lap.
Of much more value to all was that
with the bulk of the proposed new
season taking place across four
circuits in Iberia during August and
September; hot track tempera-
tures are expected to become
another kind of "new normal."
The test also included several
MotoGP machines. The bulk of
the WorldSBK attendees were on
official and privateer V4 R Pani-
gale Ducatis. There were also
some notable WorldSBK absenc-
es from the likes of Pata Yamaha,
HRC Honda and BMW Motorrad.
Lap timing transponders were
fitted although this was an unof-
ficial test, which meant that the
IN
THE
WIND
P24
A trimmed-
down Scott
Redding came
out swinging at
WorldSBK testing
at Misano. PHOTOS:
GOLD & GOOSE
