WINTER TEST | JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA
January 23, 2026
Bad weather continues to affect WorldSBK preparations: limited activity also during Portuguese tests ahead of the 2026 season
Rain continued to challenge the WorldSBK paddock on Wednesday, January 28, and Thursday, January 29, during two days of testing at the Portimão circuit. After difficult conditions at Jerez, the Portuguese weather also severely limited track time and preparation for the 2026 season.
The first day opened with a fully wet track and conditions made even more difficult by strong winds, which significantly impacted the possibility of going out on track. None of the Barni Spark Racing Team riders completed laps in the morning, and only a few teams took advantage of a brief weather window in the afternoon. The Calvenzano-based team chose to stay in the garage, ending the first day without any on-track activity.
A similar scenario repeated on the morning of the second day, with a wet track and ongoing rain.
This test ultimately amounted to very little due to the adverse weather once again. The WorldSBK paddock will return to action on February 16 and 17 at Phillip Island for the final official test session, just days before the start of the 2026 championship, whose opening round will take place in Australia from February 20 to 22.
Álvaro Bautista, #19
Day 1 – No time set
Day 2 – No time set
#THERECONQUEST
ALVARO BAUTISTA
“Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to ride on track during these two days due to difficult conditions, and we preferred not to take any risks. We continued working in the garage, taking the time to get to know the team better. We’ll see if in Australia we’ll be able to work with the bike on track”.
