The weekend in Jerez has just finished and is one that counts in Superbike, considering the fact that the Spanish track is always an important halfway test for the championship. Especially due to the events of Imola, which saw the cancellation of one race and as a prologue for Misano, our other home weekend.
Our guys, in all honesty, have had a difficult weekend. Results have arrived, but also a little bitter taste for some missed opportunities and some penalties too. But we are focused just on sport and safety.
We want guys making a good impression, but above all want them to compete safely, in the best possible conditions. This is why Nolan Group participates in the efforts of its pilots, but it never recriminates on a result.
Instead, you are certainly allowed to be a fan. Tell us a little about who are your favourites among the Nolan Riders, and what graphics of our helmets that attract you the most. You can let us know on our social media channels or tell us in person in Misano from June 21! Be there!
SUPERBIKE
Marco Melandri Race1 THIRD
"Obviously it’s not the same getting a podium finish this way rather than being in a straight race for it, but I see this as like a present for the hard work of everyone in the team and at Yamaha that we did and are still doing. This result, even if it was a bit of a gift, will only motivate us further to make improvements so that, once again, we’re in a position to really fight for the podium on track."
Marco Melandri Superpole Race THIRD/ Race2 DNF
"It was a shame to finish the weekend with a crash, but when you think about where we were just two weeks ago and then how we were able to fight for the podium in all three races here in Jerez, it’s something so positive for us. It’s unfortunate that Chaz didn’t leave me the same amount of space I left him when the positions were reversed on the previous lap, but for me it was a racing incident and nothing more. Like I said, it’s a shame, because another podium finish was a real possibility today, even if fighting with Toprak was difficult because he’s so aggressive on the brakes. Anyway, I go home from here much more positive for the future."
Chaz Davies, Race1 SEVENTH
"Today’s race was a tough one. After not getting a particularly good start, in the early laps the feeling with the bike wasn’t very good and I struggled to get into the rhythm. Then, in the middle part of the race I found myself a bit behind the group that was fighting for fifth place, but I couldn’t catch them. Unfortunately, there isn’t much to say, for me it was complicated just to get to the end of the race. The only positive aspect is that it was useful to do 20 laps in these conditions which allowed us to get a lot of information. We’ll have a look at all the data with the engineers and hopefully can come up with something good for tomorrow."
Chaz Davies Superpole Race TENTH/Race 2 DNF
"I was quite aware that this was going to be a difficult weekend but I was hoping that with a good mind-set I could have got some decent results. On this type of circuit, with many longish corners, I was really far away with the set-up. I had a vibration issue with the bike in the Superpole Race, but then the guys did a great job to give me a good bike for the last race, where at least I could ride it OK. But then I got caught up in the incident with Melandri at Turn 5. I’m OK, I just picked up a big bruise on the hip and the side of the leg."
Michael Ruben Rinaldi Race1 TENTH
"It was a defensive race, I didn't have the right feeling with the bike but I tried to manage the situation better and I took home the tenth place. It was not what we expected, I hope to be able to give my best tomorrow and improve today's result. "
Michael Ruben Rinaldi Superpole Race ELEVENTH/Race2 FOURTH
"It was a difficult race due to the condition of the track which was very slippery, many fell and I too risked it, but today it was very important to get a positive result. From Friday we knew we had a good package, but on Saturday we had I had a problem that prevented me from driving the way I wanted to, but today everything worked out great and I'm glad I gave Marco Barnabò a nice present for his birthday, he deserves it, as the whole team deserves thanks. "
SUPERSPORT
Federico Caricasulo FIRST
"The race was a very tactical one, the pace not fast. It wasn’t easy to fight of the continual attacks from rivals in the leading group. I knew my toughest rivals would be my team-mate and in the final stages I tried to break away and put a few riders between me and Randy. I managed to, and from that point I really pushed to the max over the last two laps as if it were qualifying."
