The official Pata Yamaha WorldSBK team with Rizla got to work today to give Michael van der Mark and Toprak Razgatlıoğlu the confidence they need to fight in wet conditions at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours.
In conditions that were almost better suited for Yamaha’s WaveRunner than for an R1 Superbike, both free training sessions at the penultimate round of the FIM Superbike World Championship were held under completely wet conditions, as the rain was pouring down on the central French region. Van der Mark and Razgatlıoğlu finished days 10 and 12 with a total of 33 and 34 laps, respectively.
When it is wet, the driver’s confidence has priority. So the main goal of today’s Pata Yamaha team has been to make sure that both riders get the right feeling of pushing hard during the three likely wet races over the weekend. It was also the first time on his Yamaha R1 WorldSBK machine for Razgatlıoğlu after his severe high-side crash during the warm-up in Barcelona less than two weeks ago.
The tire and suspension settings were high on the priority list to ensure that Pirelli’s grooved tread creates as much grip as possible on the slippery tarmac. Working on better combinations for each rider’s style will help them push harder tomorrow.
‘Storm Alex’ is expected to bring more rain tomorrow, but chances are the final practice session will be dry at 09:30 (GMT + 2) and the Tissot Superpole at 11:00. However, the first race at Magny-Cours from 2pm is expected to be a completely wet affair.
Michael van der Mark: P10 – 1’50.467
“The first day here in Magny-Cours and it was really wet! Things felt good this morning, I was fine on the bike and felt like we could do better in the rain. In the afternoon – at the beginning of practice – the conditions were better, I felt good and the speed was okay, but as soon as the track got a little drier we couldn’t take a step forward. I had big problems entering the corner so I’m a bit disappointed with the end of the session. I haven’t been able to improve the way I wanted to, but I don’t think we’re really that far away. If we change something on my Yamaha R1 and I feel good in the rain, we’ll be ready to be back at the front. “
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu: P12 – 1’50.926
“This morning we had a good pace in the rain and it was the first time back on the R1 after the crash in Barcelona. I have struggled with wet conditions in the past but it was a great start for me. The Yamaha R1 gave me more confidence than last year’s bike. I couldn’t find so much recourse this afternoon, so we still have something to do, and my physical condition is not perfect either. But overall I’m really happy so tomorrow we’ll see what’s possible. “
Paul Denning, team principal
“Unfortunately it was a typical Magny Cours day and it doesn’t look like it will get much better on the weekend! The most positive news of today is that Toprak is able to race in Barcelona after the big crash and continues to improve compared to his previous form in the wet. He seems to have more confidence and feel with the R1 and looks more competitive. For Michael, improvements need to be made to understand the tire feedback in these conditions and to improve confidence in corner entry and direct grip. Not a great start today but a lot of solid work, no mistakes from the guys and if it’s wet tomorrow I think our two drivers can be in the game. “