New Ducati V4 on the pace
O All-new V4 R third fastest on its first time out in Aragon test
Jonathan Rea once again laid down the marker at the first winter test at Aragon in preparation for the 2019 World Superbike season, but all eyes were on Ducati and their all-new V4 R. Having grabbed headlines with power figures of 234bhp as well as its MotoGP-style winglets, Chaz Davies tested the machine for the first time in the two-day test. With rain writing off the second day, Davies was a reassuring 1.5 seconds off Rea. It may seem a big gap but considering the Welshman was riding the Ducati for the first time, his comments tell the bigger story.
“I’m really happy,” Davies said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve swung my leg over something new, but it was a really solid test. By the 20th lap my heart was saying ‘push more’ but my brain said ‘calm down’, not too much too soon. The power delivery is really smooth, ergonomically the riding position is really good. Comparing it to the twin is impossible as they’re very different bikes, but this feels a more refined package.”
O ‘All eyes were on Ducati as they debuted the V4 R’
“I think it’s too early to say if we can challenge Kawasaki. I would love to say yes and I have confidence in Ducati, but at the same time Kawasaki’s level is very high. We have a lot to learn but there are a lot of positives.”
It was clear the dominant Kawasaki squad were a little apprehensive of the new machine. World Champion Jonathan Rea refused to comment when asked about the V4 R, and when it rained on day two, his crew chief Pere Riba quipped: “To have one day less on track means one less day for the red team to ride in the dry, which is good for us.” Davies’ 2019 team-mate Alvaro Bautista was absent as he was preparing for his final MotoGP appearance in Valencia.
Alex Lowes was second fastest for PATA Yamaha ahead of Davies in third, with BSB champion Leon Haslam was fourth quickest on his return to the series.