Andrea Locatelli was Yamaha’s best-performing rider in 2024, contending for wins in Phillip Island and scoring 4 podiums in the course of the season; however the Italian has work to do within the remaining days of the low season.
Locatelli was one in every of a number of crashers on the moist second day of final week’s Jerez check, a check he used to start regaining confidence with the YZF-R1 after a few months away from the observe over the winter.
“These two days of testing in Jerez seems a bit sophisticated for the observe situations and the climate situations, as a result of yesterday was effective however [the wind was strong],” Locatelli instructed WorldSBK.com.
“We are going to see, it’s simply the primary couple of days right here in Jerez, we have now two extra days in Portimao so we’re trying ahead [to it].
“We have to rebuild a bit the sensation with the bike, however in any case we’re able to go once more, so step-by-step we’re working and searching ahead already to being in Portimao.”
He added: “Like at all times we tried to enhance round myself and across the bike. For certain we have now lots of issues to do. Sadly, the testing is brief and with these situations it’s tough to attempt to perceive what is best.
“So, for the second, we have now a superb base that we all know, so we’ll preserve engaged on this after which we’ll see.
“Phillip Island shall be a special observe, we all know very properly the observe, final 12 months we have been aggressive, so we’re trying ahead and we consider that we will do properly from the beginning of the season.”
Earlier than the paddock heads to Phillip Island for the ultimate check and the primary race, there are two days of testing in Portimao arising on 28–29 January.
“I hope to search out good climate to attempt to experience a bit extra on the bike, to attempt to get extra feeling, as a result of additionally it’s fairly an advanced observe,” Locatelli stated, waiting for the check on the Portuguese venue.
“Initially, on this second of the season, it’s vital to experience and to have a superb feeling with the bike. The situations right here in Jerez weren’t so good to make a superb job, however in any case we make lots of laps yesterday, we did a future even in a tough scenario.
“In any case, we consider that in Portimao we will preserve doing our work, we’ll attempt to finalise the final couple of issues across the bike, after which we’ll attempt to put together one of the best setting to reach in Phillip Island prepared.”
