SBK: the Yamaha fleet is at Aragón for a two-day test

Aragón is the stage for the first races of the year but that’s not all. The Motorland track will not only host the season-opener and the official test days on the preceding Monday and Tuesday but is also the setting for some all-blue testing.

The Alcañiz-based circuit will in fact welcome the Yamaha fleet (almost) in its entirety, with the factory team and satellite GRT and Gil Motorsport squads all taking to the track. The only team missing will be Motoxracing, of which we know little to nothing as yet.

First laps of 2022

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It’s no accident that the teams have selected the Spanish track, as the undulating Motorland layout has often proved tricky for the R1. Consider that the Iwata manufacturer’s last win at the track dates back to 2011, with Marco Melandri. A trend that has become something of a curse, although this could be broken by a certain Toprak Razgatlioglu, who flexed his muscles at the previous Portimão tests, rounding out the sessions on top of the pile and setting a new track record to boot.

Keen to make the most of this upcoming test is the GRT team, absent from all previous 2021/2022 winter tests. “I am super excited to get back on my Yamaha R1 after four months off the bike”, confirms Garret Gerloff. “It was way too long and I am hoping for good weather even though it is not looking the best. Anyway just being again on the bike will be awesome and I cannot wait to see again the whole GRT team, my extended family, again!"

And Kohta Nozane is equally enthusiastic, ready to dive into his second year in the production-derived championship. “I am thrilled to start this new season. My first year in World Superbike was not easy but I learned a lot and I am ready for 2022 championship. We will begin our campaign from Aragon and first of all we will regain confidence with the R1 and planning the job with my crew. I cannot wait to see again the team after a long time."

Translated by Heather Watson

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