Pata Yamaha’s Sylvain Guintoli has made a successful return to World Superbike action on the first day of testing at the Lausitzring, putting in 76 laps in the first session since his broken leg at Imola.

Guintoli has ridden since the massive highside at Aqua Minerale but only on standard R1s at Mallory Park and Goodwood, but says he feels good and it has gone well so far.

“I didn’t know how I was going to feel today, because it was quite a big crash and it’s been a long time since I’ve been on the bike but I feel ok. The test here is just about building the speed back up but it’s going well. I enjoyed riding the YZF-R1 and I did quite a lot of laps, so it’s about continuing to rebuild the confidence and the rhythm with my riding again now,” said the Frenchman.

“I’ve never been to Lausitz before so we also need to learn the track as it’s a bit different, and very bumpy! We need to learn how to go fast with the R1 and not the YZ450F. Physically I felt good today, my ankle is holding up well so I’m pleased and we’ll just continue the development tomorrow.”