YAMAHA RACING:

Today saw the second and final day of the first test for the Yamaha World Superbike 2010 riders Cal Crutchlow and James Toseland. Both riders spent a second full day testing their new R1 machines as they worked to bring the settings in line with their riding styles. Having come from Supersport and MotoGP machines both riders have to learn a new bike. Regardless of this they both performed well and were consistently fast over the second day, again riding well below the pace of Sunday’s World Superbike race. The technical support and know-how which helped give the team it’s world title was clearly rubbing off on both Crutchlow and Toseland as they got down to business.

As the team pack up to leave Portimao, they leave with heads held high as the 2009 World Superbike champions, having taken the title with rider Ben Spies dominating the championship from the start. This was the first Superbike title for the team, however with two top new riders on board and the taste of victory in their mouths, 2010 promises to deliver more success for Yamaha.

Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha World Superbike Team (1’42.1)
“A good enough second day for us again. I think we’ve worked hard looking at a few different things with the shocks. We haven’t changed that much yet so we’ve got some work to do. We’ve changed a couple of things and had a play around with the electronics which has been good. Hopefully we’ll keep working hard, the team has done a good job and I’m pleased with the first test.”

James Toseland, Yamaha world Superbike Team (1’43.1)
“I’ve been looking at Ben’s race time and in two days on the bike we are nearly a second a lap faster by the end which I’m quite pleased with. We’ve got some work to do but for my first test on the bike we’ve been getting to understand the suspension and a few things and getting to understand how the bike reacts to some changes. We’re working on some of the electronics and an area of engine work as well. We’ve had a good test and have a lot of information to work on for next year. I like the bike, it’s so much different to what I’m used to though so it’s taking some time to tame the beast! When you ride a heavier bike you have to take your time to find its limits. One thing I didn’t want to do was crash as I’ve got another GP to race next week. I’m really pleased with the team, and looking forward to testing again as soon as possible.”

Massimo Meregalli, Yamaha World Superbike Team Manager
“Cal’s side went very well, he improved quite a lot and was impressive. We are very satisfied. Now we will decide if we need another test before January which we’ll confirm when we go home to give the riders the possibility to have some more time on the bike. James needs some time after a two year run in Moto GP he’s in a different world and riding on a very difficult circuit. He made good improvements from yesterday so he’s keeping going in the right direction. The team has worked hard so I’m happy; it’s been a good test and an end to an amazing racing weekend before.”