Breaking News: The highly anticipated preseason testing at Portimao has begun, and we're bringing you live coverage of every thrilling moment!
As the Australian Round draws near, the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship teams are gearing up for their final preseason test on European soil before embarking on their journey to the Land Down Under. But here's where it gets controversial... the rainy weather has been a persistent challenge this offseason, preventing riders from conducting comprehensive tests. This test, therefore, becomes a crucial opportunity to make up for lost time.
Get ready for an in-depth look at the teams' goals and strategies with our Portimao Test Preview. Follow the action closely today and tomorrow, January 29th, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (UTC +1).
Live from the Circuit: Dive into the live timings to track the progress of each rider and their teams.
11:49 AM - Xavi Fores takes center stage at Portimao, setting the pace with his 12th lap and an impressive 2'01.746s time. He's the only rider consistently on the track so far, with Nagashima's initial 3 laps being the only other recorded laps.
11:41 AM - Fores returns to the track, this time on a different KB998 Rimini bike, aiming to test an alternative setup during his second stint.
11:10 AM - On his eighth lap, Fores puts Bimota at the top of the timesheets with a remarkable 2'02.212s effort.
10:57 AM - Test rider Xavi Fores, representing Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Test Team, starts his day, rolling out of the pit lane.
10:44 AM - Nagashima returns to the boxes after a three-lap stint.
10:36 AM - Honda HRC Test rider Tetsuta Nagashima is the first rider to hit the track on Day 1, opening the timesheets with a 2'05.900s time.
10:17 AM - Despite the cloudy skies, the rain holds off, but the track remains wet from overnight showers, and strong wind gusts of up to 43 km/h keep riders in the boxes.
10:00 AM - Testing officially commences in Portimao, but the rain continues to complicate matters, casting a shadow over the prospect of riders taking to the track for at least the next half hour.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the action unfolds! Don't miss this crucial test before the season kicks off.
