WSB gets back down to business
Intense atmosphere at first allteams test of 2021 in Barcelona
When MCN entered the World Superbike paddock at the Barcelona test last week, there was a raised level of intensity and a real seriousness about the place.
This was the first time in 2021 that all the teams had gathered together, bringing with them a level of competitiveness, professionalism and secrecy not witnessed in the series for a long, long time. With five of the world’s biggest motorcycle marques throwing in some massive budgets, an assortment of superb riders in equally impressive teams all promise to make this year’s title fight the most competitive we’ve seen in years.
The ‘Supported Test’ (meaning this didn’t count towards the new limit of 10 private test days per rider) was a replacement for the annual Phillip Island test which hasn’t happened due to Covidrelated date changes. Not only did the WSB field have two days in good weather, but so did the Supersport classes.
There was a MotoGP feeling in the air – and not just because Honda Racing Corporation are on the ground in numbers and homing in on regular wins. A couple of years ago there remained an old-school atmosphere; journalists could walk into garages for interviews. Now, riders are instructing them to speak with the press officer – just like in MotoGP. Not only that, but partitions are being put into place to hide bikes away from camera lenses. Superbikes are road models converted into race machines but manufacturers are again spending massive money on modifying these road machines to ensure they have the best possible chance to exploit the current World Superbike regulations. BMW, Ducati, Honda and Yamaha can’t afford to get it wrong as they look to prevent Kawasaki from clinching a seventh consecutive title. With the depth of field so great, gone are the days of top 10 finishes on a less competitive bikes – in 2021 you’ll be lucky to be in the points. Jonathan Rea’s last day lap time of 1:40.264 led the way but even the World Champion admits Kawasaki have work to do; his bike was already slower than the Ducati and Honda in a straight line but now his rivals are also getting even closer elsewhere around the track – and that’s not to mention the impressive sweethandling Yamaha.