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Latest test shows that rule changes have made lap times tighter
The super-closer racing in World Superbikes looks set to continue with Ducati working hard on new parts and other manufacturers getting concessions.
Ducati evaluated a new swingarm as it searched for more grip while leaned over without losing traction on corner exit. The test at Brno on Wednesday and Thursday of last week was said to be a success. Both Ducati men have suffered from a lack of side grip so far this season, losing crucial tenths to Jonathan Rea’s Kawasaki in their quest to carry the V-twin Ducati Panigale to a world title in its final year before the new V4 comes in. For Melandri, things have been particularly bad, with chronic instability that has seen his bike go into full-blown tank slappers. Due to their strength in numbers and habit of always being on the podium in 2018 thanks to Davies, Melandri and also satellite rider Xavi Fores, Ducati have scored nine more concession points than Kawasaki and every other manufacturer after Aragon. That means that all the other teams get conession part.
Serafino Foti, team manager of Aruba Ducati, said: “The new swingarm has been positive but we still don’t know when we are going to race it. Our engineers will analyse the data in depth.
“The regulations state that each manufacturer has only one swingarm update available per season, so we must make sure it is working before we race it.
“The test has been very good for solving Marco’s instability problem. We have managed to pinpoint some particular things which leave us feeling a lot more hopeful. Marco’s problem isn’t just one thing but several factors combining: weight distribution, aerodynamics and the (light) weight of the rider.”
The Brno test was important not just for the upcoming Imola and Donington races but for the Czech Republic’s return to the calendar in June.
WSB has not raced in the Czech forests since 2012, when Melandri raced a BMW to victory and Tom Sykes set the fastest lap of 1m 59.728s. Although no official lap times were recorded last week, MCN has learned that Ducati and Yamaha were lapping consistently in the 1m 59s area and even pushed into the 58s. The Kawasaki riders set slightly quicker times.
The lap time similarity to 2012 shows that the levels have hardly changed in the production-derived series, although the teams have done well to maintain such similar pace considering the bikes have been stripped of electronic aids and power every season from 2015 onwards.