Redding and Rinaldi get first taste of Navarra circuit

Aruba.it Ducati riders Scott Redding and Michael Ruben-Rinaldi complete their final preparations ahead of the 2021 World Superbike season with first outing at the Navarra circuit. 

Just like the Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona in 2020, Navarra will become the next Spanish race track to make its inaugural appearance on the WorldSBK calendar in late August. 

Unlike most of their competitors Kawasaki, Yamaha and BMW, the factory Ducati team chose to conclude their test program in Navarra and not Aragon, having already completed two recent tests in Teruel. 

2019 BSB champion Redding enjoyed riding at the Navarra circuit and confessed that it had similarities to the ones he rode on in the UK. 

"It was an extremely positive two days. The weather conditions helped us to do a very intense job. The feeling with the bike has been really good and the race pace has been extremely positive," said Redding. 

"If I have to be honest I had a lot of fun riding on this circuit that reminds me a lot of the BSB ones. We are ready to race and I can't wait to be in Aragon."

With day-one all about track familiarisation, Rinaldi mentioned ‘big steps’ being made on day-two which could be very valuable when they return for round seven of the season, as most of the grid will be new to the track. 

Rinaldi added: "It was a very productive day. Compared to yesterday we made a big step forward and so I'm very happy also because we were able to improve on a not easy track. 

"Now, however, I just want to think about Aragon. In the next few days, I'll be training, trying to relax and stay calm in order to arrive at the first race of the season in the best possible condition."