Althea Ducati's Carlos Checa has taken away some positives from his debut World Supebrike test on the new Panigale despite being behind in terms of laptimes and blowing an engine.
The former champion says the changes made on days two and three at Motorland Aragon meant he more understands what is missing from the new Superbike. Under new rules the minimum weight of 165kg is now for both 1200cc twin cylinders and 1000cc four cylinders.
The four-cylinder weight is unchanged, but the 1200cc twins will be able to shed the six kilos that had been added for this season, which will please Checa no end...
“My impression is positive. We’re still a little way off in terms of times but we are here to work on the bike and try things out to better understand what is missing and what we need to go faster," said Checa.
"This is all a normal part of development work. The 1199 Panigale is an extreme bike and the riding style needed is different too. We are at the start of the journey; we’re still in the first phase and still have a lot of work ahead of us.
"The 17in tyres are working well once the track is up to temperature and conditions have allowed us to get a lot of laps in during yesterday and today – the data collected will be useful as we move forward.”
