Rinaldi ended with a crescendo two days of test at Jerez

The circuit named by Angel Nieto at Jerez de la Frontera blessed the season's opening test 2019 for the Barni Racing Team and Michael Rinaldi. The team from Bergamo and his rider hit the track aiming to continue the Ducati Panigale V4 R's development in view of the MOTUL FIM World Superbike Championship's start. The two days testing saw the team at work trying to understand the new bike's behaviour in response to different types of setup and how the new Showa suspensions fit for the new-brand four-cylinder made by Borgo Panigale. Despite the chilly temperature, the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship riders were able to take full advantage of the sun, especially in the second day.

Day 1

Despite a good weather, the opening day was a tough day for Barni Racing Team. Some of technical problems ruined almost entirely the first session of 2019 and Michael Rinaldi, who was working also on new Showa suspensions, was forced to remain in the box for long time. Coming out for the first time in the mid-morning he was able to complete only 41 laps. The rider from Rimini finished day 1 thirteenth in the timesheet scoring his best time in 1'43.973. Track conditions were not so good due to a dirty asphalt and wind.

Day 2

During the second day, with hotter temperatures and better track conditions, Rinaldi was the first one to hit the track among the Superbike's riders. He managed to ride constantly all day long completing 76 laps and improving his best time step by step. Almost at the end of the day he posted his best lap in 1'40.540, ninth in the timesheet, 1.380s far from the leader Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki). 

After 48 hours of working in Andalucia MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship's teams are already on march towards Portimao, in Portugal, about 350km far from Jerez de la Frontera, where a two days of test session will take place next Sunday and Monday.

Marco Barnabò, Team Principal
«We kwew that we would have encountered some troubles, especially at the beginning, because we meet the bike for the first time here on track. It was a really challenging couple of days because for us everything was new, from electronics to suspensions, we had no references points. At the end, however, I must say that we are happy because we understood what are the main problems to be solved. We worked logically, without being frantic and this bears fruit. I have to thank all the team, the rider, and the Showa technicians who gave us a big hand; everyone is making great efforts and this is what makes me feel more confident».

Michael Ruben Rinaldi, #21
«The first approach was not easy, but today we was able to find the right way: we collected a lot of data and we got very close to the others. In Portimao we will start from this point trying to improve in all areas».