Rather than test at Portimao like the other WSBK teams have done, BMW have chosen to do their first test of the year here, at ECIR.
The rationale is that the weather is likely to be more conducive (1 point to the German outfit – it rained every day of the 4-dayer at Portimao) and also that data obtained here would help the team with performance parameters on a low-grip track (ECIR is old and the bitumen well-worn)
It certainly seemed to suit TC down to the ground, the Aussie star unofficially breaking the outright lap record in testing, leaving it at 1:29.7 (the official LR is held by Alex Criville on a 500cc grand prix bike)
Not so happy was Corser’s team-mate, who, it is said, was pretty uncomfortable on the bike and hoping for a much better test when they adjourn to PI in a few weeks’ time.
And, speaking of WSBK, I couldn’t NOT post this gem of a photo of Marco Melandri on the R1.
Some big wraps on MM this year; I’m not convinced, but others seem to be.
My good wife took me for a cruise up to Bald Hill (yes, I know, very appropriate – sit down that boy in the back row) in the Calibra today. She reckons it’s a rocket. Hopefully the doc gives me permission to start driving when I see him on Thursday!