Yamaha WorldSBK rider Andrea Locatelli says it’s “difficult to say yes or no” on Yamaha’s WorldSBK developments after the two-day test in Jerez on 26–27 November.

In the final test of the year at Jerez on 26–27 November, Locatelli finished fourth on the second day, but was fastest on day one.

It was a test, at the end of November, that saw conditions much cooler conditions than the race weekend at Jerez in mid-October, and than the majority of the WorldSBK rounds held throughout the European summer, those low temperatures in turn resulting in higher-than-usual track grip.

So, although it seemed to be a positive start to the 2026 preseason for Locatelli, he was wary of being too optimistic due to the cool, high-grip conditions that were present in Jerez for the test.

“I think it was a great day, also today [Thursday],” Andrea Locatelli told WorldSBK.com.

“For sure, the condition of the track was changing quickly today, it was different [compared to Wednesday]. But I think what we worked on around the bike was working really well, we get a good confidence, we were riding really well on the rhythm. So, basically just a positive day.”

He added: “For sure, we know that in this condition, in general, is helping a lot on this track – to have this type of condition, it’s not really hot like on a race weekend,” Locatelli said.

“But, for sure we understand something, we have some positive things to try again in January. 

“I think what we are doing, it was in a good direction and it was working not too bad, honestly. 

“But, like I say, it’s difficult to say yes or no now, and take a decision, but we will wait [until] maybe in January, when we will have also the possibility to try in another track, to be sure that what we are trying is working. 

“But, basically, also on the lap time and on the average, it was working well, so it looks positive. So, we cross the fingers that it’s working also in the future.”

January’s first test will take place on 21–22, again in Jerez, before the Portimao test on 28–29 January. The final preseason test will be on 16–17 February at Phillip Island before the Australian Round on 20–22 February.