Rain Dampens Second Aragón Test for Locatelli as Plans Confirmed for Razgatlıoğlu Return

22-04-2021

Rain Dampens Second Aragón Test for Locatelli as Plans Confirmed for Razgatlıoğlu Return

Two days planned of testing for Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK rider Andrea Locatelli were cut short due to wet weather in Aragón today, as the team reschedules a full team test for next month.

Locatelli was able to complete 59 laps yesterday, utilising just a half day of testing from 1pm onwards as the morning’s wet conditions improved. The 24-year-old continued to demonstrate a diligent work ethic with his pinpoint accurate riding style throughout the afternoon, enabling the team to finalise development testing for the 2021-specification Yamaha R1 WorldSBK.

The shortened running means that Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK will return to MotorLand Aragón as a complete team, with both Locatelli and Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, next month with track running from Tuesday 4 May.

Razgatlıoğlu has returned to Turkey following his Covid-19 isolation period in Barcelona, he feels physically fit and is eager to test developments to his #54 Yamaha R1 WorldSBK in preparation for the FIM Superbike World Championship’s opening round on 21-23 May.

Andrea Locatelli: 1’51.550 / 59 laps

Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK

Yesterday I had a strange feeling with the bike which was maybe due to the condition of the track. It was very different compared to the last test, but in the end we continued to work on the bike and were able to confirm some new parts for 2021. This was the main thing to work on for now, even if for me the performance level yesterday was not perfect. I am sure that when we come back here, we will have some areas for improvement and will also try and improve the feeling on the bike. But I am happy for this test because we were able to work on the data to confirm some 2021 developments, and now we will return with a clear focus on the performance.

Andrew Pitt - #55 Crew Chief

Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK

Turned out we didn’t get a lot of running but fortunately we got out yesterday for a full afternoon of dry time. It seemed as though track conditions changed quite a bit due to different temperatures and a lot of car testing here in between the two tests. We left the first test here at Aragon very happy with the feeling and quite positive going forward into this next test, with the aim of trying to refine the package a little bit. We looked at a lot of data with Loka and together with our Öhlins technician Luca [Federzoni] to assess and look at areas where he could improve. The afternoon unfortunately became a little bit of a rush, we tried to get as much done as we could – and due to the fact that Toprak was not here, the responsibility of helping to define the final pieces of the 2021 package fell largely on Loka’s shoulders. We had a lot of components to work through, and kept him in “workman” mode providing clear feedback and ticking things off the list. Loka, as a racer, obviously wanted to improve his performance and it is a delicate balance to manage, but we got through every item on the list for Yamaha and additional feedback for Pirelli. It was very constructive from that point of view even if we did not get the chance to focus on pace. Our next test before the first race will be working on giving Loka a stable bike and work on his outright pace so that he can come to the first event full of confidence.