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The second round of the SBK championship gave Yamaha mixed feelings. They were certainly happy in the Supersport category, where Stefano Manzi of the Ten Kate team finished second in Race 1 and left his mark in Race 2, approaching the top of the overall rankings occupied by Yari Montella. In the premier class of the SBK, however, Andrea Locatelli put on a show by finishing 5th on Saturday.
Then, in Catalunya, the R3 bLU cRU World Championship series made its debut with the success in both races of the Spanish rider, Gonzales Sanchez, while Aldi Satya Mahendra took his R3 to the podium, among the WorldSSP300, becoming the leader of the overall standings.
Andrea Dosoli, Yamaha's Motorsport Manager, said: "The first round in Europe usually allows us to understand where the team, the riders, and the technical package really stand. In this case, it was a difficult track due to high tire degradation, especially the front and especially on the Superbikes. Historically, we've always struggled at Montmelo. It was also good to see more spectators in the stands, although the numbers are not high yet."
Taking stock of the weekend, the manager also stated: "In the Supersport, we won and got a double podium.What Stefano Manzi did was as important for him as it was for the team, given the disappointment of Race 2 at Phillip Island. In this way, we shortened the gap in the World Championship on the eve of our home round in Holland. It was also good to see Lucas Mahias in third position. He's been in shape since free practice one, showing all his speed. The outcome is the reward for the hard work during the winter. Valentin Debise and Evans Bros Racing were also strong. A sixth place overall is good on a circuit like this."
Moving on to the SBK, the manager reiterated the critical issues they encountered with the tires. "It wasn't easy for the riders to preserve the tires, and this didn't allow us to maximize the potential. Locatelli was always quick. He performed well in the first race and has progressed since last year. A sign that we did well with the development of the bike, but certainly not enough to finish in the top three. Unfortunately, on Sunday, he was forced to go straight to avoid the other bikes in the accident between Rinaldi and Bassani. From that moment on, he recuperated many positions and, considering the circumstances with the ten-second gap accumulated in the opening round, his commitment and motivation emerged."
Also complicated was Jonathan Rea's situation, who has so far collected less than expected since he joined the Japanese brand. "It wasn't the start of the season we wanted. After the disappointment on the grid in race one, and the difficulties encountered in the Super Pole Race, he then bounced back in race two collecting his first championship points, as well as very important data. I'm convinced the situation will be different in Assen, and we'll be back where we deserve."
"GYTR GRT also did a very good job. Aegerter got off to a bad start in both rounds, especially in the second one, but then he recuperated and kept a good pace. Kudos instead to Gardner who, after misjudging tires on Saturday, brought out his talent on Sunday. Too bad about the placing he lost after the checkered flag. In my opinion, if he touched the green, it was only by a few millimeters. Anyway, he gave it his all in the duel with Petrucci," he considered, moving finally to the young-riders category.
"The R3 bLU cRU is mostly dedicated to riders from South America and Asia. I congratulate Sanchez and Mahendra, who was second on Saturday in his first WorldSSP300. He missed the podium in race two only due to over-optimism and setting the pace too early. Lack of experience is to blame, but the speed is there. Bravo also to Samuel di Sora on the podium in race one," he remarked, deferring to the analysis of the data gathered before the third stage.
