Pata Maxus Yamaha will aim to build on the progress made during Saturday’s opening race at the Circuito de Jerez. Andrea Locatelli produced a determined recovery from a difficult Superpole session to finish 13th, while Xavi Vierge was battling for a top ten position before a technical issue brought his race to an early end.
Vierge continued to show encouraging pace on Saturday, setting the eighth-fastest time in FP3. With a clear understanding of where further gains could be made, the Spaniard approached Superpole confident of securing a strong grid position. His opening lap placed him firmly in contention, but a mistake on his second tyre cost him the few tenths required for a top ten start.
Starting from 11th, Vierge settled quickly into the race and remained firmly in the fight for a top ten finish while managing his tyres through the opening stages. His promising run was brought to an early conclusion when a technical issue forced him to retire on lap seven.
Andrea Locatelli continued to work hard with his team throughout a demanding Jerez weekend as they searched for improved feeling with the R1 WorldSBK. After starting from the seventh row following a difficult Superpole session, the Italian delivered a determined race performance, gaining seven positions to take 13th at the chequered flag.
The 2026 season concludes on Sunday, with the Superpole Race scheduled to get underway at 11:10 CEST ahead of the final race of the season at 15:30 CEST.
FULL SUPERPOLE RESULTS
FULL RACE 1 RESULTS
Xavi Vierge: Superpole: 11th, Race 1: DNF
“Saturday started well for us, we had a very good Free Practice and in Superpole we knew that there were some parts of the track where we could improve to gain time. Unfortunately, with the second tyre, I was pushing for a 1’37 and I lost the front in sector three, I had been struggling there all weekend but if you don’t try you never know! We knew it would be a long race, I made a good start and I was fighting for the top ten and I was trying to manage the tyres the best as I could for the last lap, but unfortunately we had a technical issue and could not finish the race. We’ll try again tomorrow.”
Andrea Locatelli: Superpole 20th, Race 1: 13th
“It has not been the best weekend for us so far. Unfortunately, I cannot find a good feeling and Superpole was tough for me to try and do a good lap time. In the race we made quite a good recovery and improved some positions but it is not enough. I am still struggling a little with the feeling in the faster corners, but we are looking to improve in this area and we will see what tomorrow brings and if we can finish the season as best we can.”
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