Jerez de la Frontera. In preparation for the 2020 FIM
Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK), the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK
Team has completed its first test of the winter at Jerez de la
Frontera (ESP). The team, with riders Tom Sykes (GBR) and new
addition Eugene Laverty (GBR), spent two days evaluating a host of
new components for the BMW S 1000 RR on Thursday and Friday.
The extensive test programme saw the team work on areas such as the
chassis, electronics and ergonomics. Sykes and Laverty enjoyed good
test conditions in dry and sunny weather. Laverty took to the track on
the 2019 version of the RR on the first morning, in order to
familiarise himself with the BMW Superbike. He then switched to the
version for the 2020 season, complete with new components, in the afternoon.
The team will now use the information gathered by Sykes and Laverty
at the Jerez test, in order to continue the further development of the
RR for the 2020 WorldSBK season. The next tests are scheduled for
January, firstly at Jerez de la Frontera, then at Portimão (POR). The
opening round of the 2020 season takes place from 28th February to 1st
March on Phillip Island (AUS).
Quotes after the test at Jerez de la Frontera.
Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport
Director: “Already during the final stages of the past
season, we have been working intensively on the further development of
the BMW S 1000 RR for 2020. Our first winter test in Jerez de la
Frontera has been very productive. Among other things, we were able to
test various chassis variants, new shock absorber elements, a range of
tyre options, and electronic updates. Tom had a few minor issues at
the start of day one, but they were resolved quickly and we were able
to complete the busy programme, which included many test points.
Eugene first had to find his feet on the RR, but was soon able to
start to configure the bike to his own personal requirements. We are
happy with the progress he has made at his first test with the RR. We
must now analyse the large amount of data and comprehensive rider
feedback we have received, which will help determine the direction we
will take to start the 2020 season.”
Shaun Muir, Team Principal BMW Motorrad WorldSBK
Team: “We’ve completed two full days of testing with Tom and
Eugene; we got through an awful lot of work. We are generally pleased
with the outcome. We’ve found a clear direction for Tom on his chassis
set-up which lets us move forward in a specific direction we know he
will be comfortable with. We worked through a big list so we’re really
pleased for Tom. Eugene had to take some time to get used to the
electronics package on the BMW S 1000 RR and over the Christmas break,
we will further work on a strategy for him. He was getting quicker and
quicker but only until the point where he was ready to push. But we
are very still happy with his first test. He was running consistent
times and we are satisfied with the progress. Overall, we are happy
going into the break. We had no major issues and we get the bikes
ready now and come back for the tests in January.”
Tom Sykes: “Definitely I think we had a very strong
test and credit to all the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. We had a big
list to go through and they were working so hard. I am very satisfied
with what we achieved. We really tried a lot on the BMW S 1000 RR,
definitely made progress and for me now I can go into the winter
feeling happy with our performance. Certainly on race tyres as well,
we found quite a step and also over the distance. The bike was working
nicely and we obviously tried the qualifying tyre at the end. It was
incredible but after two strong sectors I unfortunately made a small
mistake in the hairpin and crashed. But I was interested in how the
bike feels with high grip and I also went for another lap after the
crash. For me that was good because we have extra information going
into the winter and the guys can keep working. So for me that was a
good test with a consistent track to work through a very big list and
that’s what we needed all season. Thanks to the whole team and the
guys back at the factory for working so hard to make things possible.
I think the decision to skip the Aragón test paid off because it was a
very structured test and we worked very well.”
Eugene Laverty: “Overall, it was a good test. I think
I can tell I’ve got a bike with the best chassis I’ve ever ridden. The
way the bike turns and enters the corner is incredible. It’s
surprising just how physical it is to ride right now. We have to get
the power under control for the corner exit. Once I can get that it
will be even more rideable. Right now I can wrestle it for one lap if
we wanted to get a lap time but it’s testing so it’s not necessary. So
we’ve been working and just trying to tame the beast a little bit so
we can get a bike that is going to be comfortable for 20 laps. The
chassis is incredible and that’s the important thing. The base of the
bike is good, now it’s just another fine-tuning of the electronics.”