Althea BMW Racing concludes testing in Spain

The Althea BMW Racing team has concluded a two-day test session at the Jerez de la Frontera racetrack in Spain, two days that unfortunately didn’t exactly go according to plan.

On track with its two SBK riders, Jordi Torres and Markus Reiterberger, and its Stock rider, Marco Faccani, the Italian team planned to make the most of the two days available to continue the preparation work ahead of the opening round of the championship, taking place over the weekend of 24-26 February at Phillip Island in Australia.

Completing more than 60 laps each during day one, and making the most of the stable weather conditions, the two Superbike riders focused on the setting of their BMW S 1000 RR, identifying some new solutions on which to continue the work in coming weeks. Unfortunately, day two did not go so smoothly, with a crash for Torres cutting his test short. Having injured his right shoulder, the Spaniard preferred to rest up today so as to be ready for the next tests at Portimao this coming weekend. Reiterberger completed a further 60 laps today, but there is still significant work to do.

Faccani, on track with the Althea BMW Stock bike for only the second time, made good progress yesterday together with his technicians, working hard and recording some interesting lap times. Unfortunately, he too suffered a crash and, with an injured shoulder, he remained in the garage today, a pity considering the positive work completed yesterday.

The new Althea MF84 team was also in attendance at Jerez and, under the guidance of team manager Michel Fabrizio, worked to help its young rider, German Julien Puffe, build confidence with his new bike. Having completed roughly 100 laps with his BMW over the two days, the first approach has been encouraging.

The Althea BMW Racing team will be back on track later this week for further testing at Portimao (28-29 January). Raffaele De Rosa will also be present for those tests, helping the team as it continues with its preparation ahead of the season's opening round.