Cookie Consent by Free Privacy Policy website First Steps Taken Towards 2017 as Lowes and Van Der Mark Complete Aragon Shakedown
november 18, 2016 - Yamaha Racing

First Steps Taken Towards 2017 as Lowes and Van Der Mark Complete Aragon Shakedown

The Pata #yamaha Official WorldSBK Team returned to #spain this week as preparations began for the 2017 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. Completing two days at Motorland Aragon's 5,077m circuit, the YZF-R1's were put through their paces as the #yamaha crew evaluated a raft of hardware and electronics updates. #alexlowes and new teammate #michaelvandermark were satisfied with the progress made and new information discovered.

Totalling 141 laps across the 14 hours of track time, Lowes concentrated on multiple race simulations to evaluate the new season parts, witnessing improvements to consistency and lap-times on old tyres from that of his 2016 pace and confirming the appropriate direction for continued development. New chassis components also provided additional success both in initial analysis and under detailed longer runs, while multiple geometry and suspensions settings were fine-tuned to improve the Briton's feeling further.

Van der Mark's introduction to the Pata #yamaha team and machine also proved productive. Initially concentrating on basic set up, balance and understanding his YZF-R1, the Dutchman quickly got comfortable with his new Superbike allowing consistent and impressive pace throughout the test - without pushing for outright times - and already improving on the Yamaha's level of performance achieved during April's race visit.

With the extensive testing program complete and additional areas now identified for targeted development, Lowes and van der Mark are looking forward to 2016's final on-track analysis ahead of the winter break, as the Pata #yamaha Official WorldSBK Team travels to Andalucía for three days of testing, scheduled at Circuito de Jerez next week.