Xavi Vierge has completed his first day of testing on the Yamaha R1 ahead of the 2026 World Superbike Championship.
The first day of Winter Testing for the 2026 World Superbike Championship got underway on Tuesday, the 21st of October at the Circuito do Jerez.
Although Ducati stole the headlines with their new Panigale V4 R, Yamaha slipped under the radar with their new Pata Maxus Yamaha rookie, Xavi Vierge.
The Spaniard joined the Japanese manufacturer after four seasons with Honda in World Superbikes, and made an instant impression on the Yamaha R1.
Vierge ended the opening day of testing in second place on the timesheets with the Pata Maxus Yamaha squad, and was 1.109 seconds behind Nicolo Bulega at the end of the opening day.
"First 2026 test for Pata Maxus Yamaha, and first day ever on the Yamaha R1 WorldSBK for Xavi Vierge," Paul Denning said after the first day of Winter Testing.
"Lovely guy, clearly very professional, very serious about his work, and he’s done a great job for us today. We’re impressed how quickly he’s adapted and to end the day second overall on the timesheets is never a bad start!
"He’s got a big smile on his face – we’re very happy to have Xavi in the team and we’re looking forward to continuing our work in November."
Road Racing Sporting Manager within Yamaha Motor Europe, Niccolo Canepa, added, "Xavi gave us a lot of really precise feedback. He integrated immediately with the crew. I’m really happy.
"He finished the first day on top of the other Yamahas, which is impressive so early. We appreciate his comments and we’re looking forward to working together more."
Vierge and the World Superbike riders will be back out on track for the second day of Winter Testing on Wednesday, the 22nd of October, and BSN will be covering the Test.