Voltcom Suzuki’s Eugene Laverty evaluated a new FTR swingarm during three days of World Superbike testing at Jerez and found more positives than negatives on his way to setting a best lap 1'41.377 on race tyres.

The Irishman was looking for more corner exit grip and stability from the unit and said it improved the overall turning package by the end of the second day. However, both he and team-mate Alex Lowes were slightly concerned about a lack of confidence with the front end.

In terms of the engine, it looks likely the new spec from Yoshimura will undergo more evaluation on the dyno at the team’s Verwood HQ before being tested again at Imola in May.

"It was a tough test, and we came across issues we haven’t experienced elsewhere, but I was happy that it finished well and that we learned a lot. We tested the new swingarm, and found some clear positives as well as some possible question marks, so now we need to decide on our starting point for the next round at Aragon,” said Laverty.

“My first ever test on the GSX-R in Jerez wasn’t easy, so maybe the track has something against us, because the bike has been brilliant elsewhere! That said, we ended up only 0.5s off the fastest race tyre time, and with a solid base to go forward from, so I’m looking forward to Aragon.”