Though Valentino Rossi's rather brief outing on the Yamaha
MotoGP machine assumed much of the attention at Motorland Aragon, the start of a two-day World Superbike test around Alcaniz circuit would also see Ducati, Kawasaki, BMW and Honda meet on track.
The first group outing for a selection of the teams since a similar test at Aragon a month ago, wet weather conditions limited track time to only a few laps with the riders preferring to wait on the better forecast for Thursday.
Amongst those present at Aragon include Carlos Checa, back on the Ducati 1199 Panigale, albeit this time under the stewardship of Team Alstare following the recently-confirmed switch from Althea Racing. His new team-mate Ayrton Badovini will get his first outing on the twin-cylinder machine at Jerez.
Also in attendance are Kawasaki, continuing its intensive programme with Tom Sykes and Loris Baz, while BMW Italia join up with Chaz Davies, Marco Melandri and its Superstock 1000 champion Sylvain Barrier.
Following a day of testing at Assen last month, Honda – which will compete with title backing from PATA next season – had Jonathan Rea and new signing Leon Haslam on their Superbikes, while Supersport signings Lorenzo Zanetti and Michael Van Der Mark put in some laps on the CBR600RR.
No times were revealed from those that did head onto circuit, but testing continues on Thursday.
The World Superbike testing ban comes into effect on December 1st.