Jerez de la Frontera, 15th March 2013. The BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team conducted another two days of testing

Testing – Jerez.
14th to 15th March 2013. 

Jerez de la Frontera, 15th March 2013. The BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team conducted another two days of testing at Jerez de la Frontera in southern Spain. Thus, the team made use of the long break between the first two rounds of the 2013 FIM Superbike World Championship. From the Superbike team, it was factory rider Chaz Davies (GBR) who was on duty on his own, as his team-mate Marco Melandri (ITA) is recovering at home from the shoulder surgery he underwent after the season opener at Phillip Island (AUS). In total, Chaz completed 489 kilometres of testing (114 laps) on Thursday and Friday. The squad mainly worked on electronic strategies in order to further improve the rideability of the BMW S 1000 RR. Weather conditions were good on both days, with sunny skies and mild temperatures from the late morning until the afternoon.

The Superbike team was joined by the Superstock squad, with riders Sylvain Barrier (FRA) and Greg Gildenhuys (RSA) using the test to prepare their new BMW HP4s for the 2013 FIM Superstock 1000 Cup. This series starts at the second round of the FIM Superbike World Championship, which will be contested at the Spanish Motorland Aragón circuit from 12th to 14th of April. In early April, the Superbike and the Superstock teams will conduct more days of testing at Aragón.


Chaz Davies:
Bike: BMW S 1000 RR
“We accomplished a lot of work over the last two days and it was a very productive test. We fully focused on working on the electronics and tested a lot of new strategies. It was really interesting and we came up with solutions that have a lot of potential. There is some more work needed but we have another test in a couple of weeks. I think all was very positive, everybody has worked well and I am reasonably happy.”

Marco Melandri:
“My recovery is proceeding well and according to plan. I am training in the pool and – carefully – in the gym. Overall, I am satisfied. Some movements that caused pain before the surgery are no longer a problem. I still have some bone pain, but that is normal after the operation. Now I have to work on fully recovering the joint and the muscle tone. Yesterday I had an ultrasound examination and a visit to Dr. Porcellini, and he was positive as well. Unfortunately I could not join the team for the tests but we are regularly in touch so I was constantly updated on how the tests proceeded and which solutions they were finding.”

Stephan Fischer (Technical Director BMW Motorrad Motorsport):
“The team is very happy with the test. It was clearly defined as an R&D and not as a performance test. Our intention was to confirm on track the strategies we had developed in theory and we were able to achieve this. Also Chaz’ feedback was broadly positive. The data we gathered will now form the base for the next tests, when we will also continue our work regarding the performance. The Superstock team had two productive days of testing, too. The squad collected important information for the work with the BMW HP4. In the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup, the new bike will be raced regularly in an international championship for the first time.”

Serafino Foti (Sport Director BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team):
“The good weather conditions we had during our two days of testing Jerez allowed us to make a very good job. We were able to do on-track testing of new strategic solutions from our R&D department. They are doing an excellent job in developing the bike. In early April, we will continue testing and all of us wish Marco to get well soon; we hope to see him back with the team already at this test.”