Misano WorldSBK test: Bautista heads Gerloff on day two

Ducati’s Alvaro Bautista made it two from two as he topped the WorldSBK test timesheets on the second daqy at Misano, but he was closely tracked by Garrett Gerloff.

The two-day test came to a conclusion with Bautista once again topping the timesheets although he was only a tenth clear of nearest rival Gerloff (GRT Yamaha ) as the pair looked to pip the other to top spot.

As it was on day one at Misano, Bautista and Gerloff were fighting it out for top spot. The Spanish rider prevailed on the second day, despite opting to sit out of the morning session, as he posted a 1’33.574s and completed 52 laps on day two, with the team trying a new fuel tank on the Panigale V4 R machine.

Teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi, who was aiming to try the swingarm previously tested by Bautista, was fifth fastest with a 1’34.316s, adding 44 laps to Ducati’s total for the two days.

Despite Gerloff’s best time of a 1’33.686s being under a tenth slower than Bautista, the American had to settle for second spot on day two with 78 laps completed.

Gerloff and his GRT Yamaha squad had electronic settings to try throughout the test as well as a new fuel tank and subframe. Kohta Nozane, preparing for his second season in WorldSBK was ninth fastest after racking up 54 laps and posting a best time of 1’34.780s.

Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) claimed third spot on the second day of action with plenty of Independent riders showing their pace. French rider Mahias, testing out new suspension components including fork and rear shock, lapped the Misano circuit in 1’34.058s with 61 laps to his name.

It was also a strong day for German rookie Philipp Oettl (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) after he topped the morning session. Although he did not improve on his