Source: WSBK.

The third day of private World Superbike testing at Jerez was held in dry conditions, despite the thick fog welcoming the riders at the track early in the morning.

Given that rain is expected on Friday, the Kawasaki Racing Team, Pata Honda and Crescent Suzuki squads decided not to take a day off and to continue their development work with all their riders while the conditions were favourable.

Rain started falling with 10 minutes go, taking away a chance for the riders to go for a quick lap attempt before the end of track time.

The Ducati World Superbike Team was back on track for their first of three days of testing, but did not appear on the time sheets as they chose not to use transponders on their bikes, unlike MV Agusta Reparto Corse Leon Camier on their F4 RR. He was joined by Jules Cluzel and Lorenzo Zanetti aboard their F3 675 Supersport machines.

After the morning and afternoon’s sessions, the quickest Superbike rider was Kawasaki Racing Team’s Jonathan Rea, who lapped in 1m40.738 on qualifying tyres. The Ulsterman was only 0.008secs slower than yesterday’s fastest lap set by Alex Lowes (Crescent Suzuki).

Lowes missed a chance for a fast lap before due to the worsening of the weather conditions, however finished third quickest in the end behind new teammate Randy De Puniet, who was on a qualifying tyre provided by Pirelli.

2013 champion Tom Sykes was fourth fastest ahead of an improving Michael van der Mark and the other Pata Honda rider, and reigning champion, Sylvain Guintoli.

Two more 1199 Panigale R machines were also on track today, the Superstock bikes fielded by the EAB Racing Team and ridden by Dutchman Tony Coveña and Italian Fabio Massei.

WSBK Jerez test day three results:
1. Jonathan Rea 1m40.738
2. Randy De Puniet 1m41.296
3. Alex Lowes 1m41.321
4. Tom Sykes 1m41.335
5. Michael van der Mark 1m41.437
6. Sylvain Guintoli 1m41.813
7. Jules Cluzel 1m43.958 (WSS)
8. Fabio Massei 1m44.633 (STK1000)
9. Leon Camier 1m44.905
10. Lorenzo Zanetti 1m45.283 (WSS)
11. Tony Covena 1m46.236 (STK1000)