Razgatlioglu heads first session of day one for Pata Yamaha

Action is underway at the Circuit World Marco Simoncelli which plays host to a two-day test for several WorldSBK and WorldSSP teams ahead of the new 2021 seasons. 

Pata Yamaha's Toprak Razgatlioglu was the first rider to venture out on track as he looks to confirm some new parts that were initially tested at Jerez at the end of 2020.

The aim for Yamaha and Razgatlioglu is to get better turning and stopping from those new upgrades. The Turkish rider recorded a best time of 1m 34.760s in the opening session. 

For his Yamaha team-mate and 2020 WorldSSP champion Andrea Locatelli, it's all about getting mileage under his belt as he completed a best lap time of 1m 36.132s. 

Scott Redding and Aruba.it Ducati are also in action as they look to continue their 2021 test programme that was cut short at a recent half-day test at the Circuito de Jerez - Angel Nieto. 

Redding's best time of the morning session was a 1m 34.853s, less than one-tenth behind Razgatlioglu. Michael Ruben-Rinaldi aboard the second factory Ducati bike was a further three tenths back with a lap time of 1m 35.143s. 

American sensation Garrett Gerloff has been on track for GRT Yamaha but had a small crash at turn 15 due to cold tyres. After one of the better rookie seasons for many years, the three time podium finisher will be looking to build on that and get his first win in 2021.

Gerloff was fourth fastest behind Rinaldi with a time of 1m 35.264s. Team-mate Kohta Nozane has also been in action, but is over two seconds slower as he looks to get familiar on the Superbike following his recent participation in the MotoGP Qatar test. 

Tito Rabat continues his acclimation to the Superbike class following his move from MotoGP and was fifth fastest, while Axel Bassani was sixth for the Motocorsa Racing Ducati team. 

And in other news, Team GoEleven are being represented by MotoGP Ducati test rider Michele Pirro who is replacing Chaz Davies at the test, as the Welsh rider tested positive for Covid-19.