FIRST LOOK: Petrucci, Gardner make first appearance of 2023, Bautista wears #1

With the first WorldSBK test of 2022 fully underway at Jerez, several rookies and a big name returnee have been aboard their machines for the first time this year.
Danilo Petrucci, Barni Ducati WorldSBK Jerez 2023
Danilo Petrucci, Barni Ducati WorldSBK Jerez 2023

Making their first WorldSBK appearances of 2023 were Danilo Petrucci, Remy Gardner, Dominique Aegerter, Lorenzo Baldassarri, with the former finishing an impressive fourth on day-one.

Putting himself amongst some very impressive riders, Petrucci was only beaten by Toprak Razgatlioglu, world champion Alvaro Bautista and Michael Ruben Rinaldi.

Gardner was the second quickest rookie as he finished just outside the top ten in 11th, while team-mate Aegerter was a further three places back in 14th.

 

Remy Gardner, Jerez WorldSBK Tests, 25-26 January
Remy Gardner, Jerez WorldSBK Tests, 25-26 January

Baldassarri was 16th aboard the GMT94 Yamaha bike, which is also a debut for the team in the Superbike class. 

Lorenzo Baldassarri, Jerez WorldSBK Tests, 25-26 January
Lorenzo Baldassarri, Jerez WorldSBK Tests, 25-26 January

Despite a turn one crash, Bautista was fast after splitting time between his 2022 and brand new 2023 bikes.

As we saw last season, Razgatlioglu and Bautista could barely be separated as the Yamaha rider pipped the Spaniard by just under a tenth. 

After electing to run the #1 for his title defence, Bautista was seen using his new number for the first time.

Alvaro Bautista, Jerez WorldSBK Tests, 25-26 January
Alvaro Bautista, Jerez WorldSBK Tests, 25-26 January

Another former champion was also in action as Tom Sykes made his return with Puccetti Kawasaki.

Tom Sykes, Jerez WorldSBK Tests, 25-26 January
Tom Sykes, Jerez WorldSBK Tests, 25-26 January

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