Pirro's Panigale V4R shines in Misano tests among SBK bikes

With just two weeks to go before the start of the Italian Speed Championship, on Monday, the Misano circuit offered just a taste of what’s to come: the first of two days of official tests that were attended by as many as a hundred riders. Each category had three rounds available but, due to the rain, most of the work was concentrated at the start.

Among the SBK riders, Michele Pirro was the one who put everyone in line. Riding Barni Spark Racing's Panigale V4R, he reached a 1'36"080, making him uncatchable. But Michele will be absent tomorrow because he’s been busy since Wednesday with the MotoGP tests on the Jerez de La Frontera track. The 37-year-old also rode well in wet conditions and brought in the third fastest time overall.

Distant by three tenths was Aprilia Nuova M2 Racing team’s rider, Luca Bernardi, with fifteen laps, along with his brand mate, Samuele Cavalieri, a second behind both. They’re considered the main contenders for the national title. Fourth place went to Scuderia Improve Honda's Luca Vitali, while Alessandro Delbianco on the DMR Racing's R1 had to settle for fifth. Of note was Riccardo Russo’s absence. He’s on the road to recovery after his recent injury on the Vallelunga track.

Rookie Roberto Mercandelli of the Ducati Broncos team came in sixth, followed by Kevin Manfredi on his Penta Motorsport Suzuki, then Simone Saltarelli’s Broncos Racing Ducati. Ninth position wen to Jar Ioverno with 322 Racing Service’s BMW.

Among the Supersport riders, Mesaroli Racing Ducati’s Andrea Mantovani shone bright, arriving tenth overall and getting the best of Marco Bussolotti with SGM Tecnic Ducati.

With the inclement weather conditions in the afternoon, Matteo Gabarrini in the Prem3 category soared with a time of 1'56"109. Fresh from joining the VR46 Academy, the Pasini Racing rider was the best, ahead of his teammate Gionata Barbagallo.

In the Moto3, Project 2WheelsPoliTo Factory Racing's Spanish rider, Marcos Ruda, led the way, while the fastest in the Supersort 300 was Emanuele Cazzaniga on Racestar's Yamaha.