During the first day of the World Superbike test held at Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimao in January 2026, Garrett Gerloff emerged as the fastest rider despite challenging weather conditions. The session began with rain, limiting track action as only six riders managed to post lap times before 1 PM. Although more riders hit the circuit in the afternoon, lap times remained slower than usual, with Gerloff’s best effort at 1:46.262 well off the 2025 lap record of 1:39.441 set by Toprak Razgatlioglu.
Gerloff tested two Kawasaki ZX-10RR motorcycles side by side, comparing the 2025 model with the newly updated 2026 bike to evaluate the effect of the new fairing design. Among other standout riders, Philippe Ettre on a Supersport Ducati and Alberto Sura on a Motocorsa Panigale V4 R were the only ones to record laps under 1:50. Several test riders, including Honda’s Jonathan Rea and Bimota’s Xavi Fores, participated, alongside newcomers from outside the WorldSBK paddock such as British Supersport rider Luke Stapleford (Ducati Panigale V2), road racer Paul Jordan (Jackson Racing Ducati Panigale V2), MotoAmerica champion Cameron Beaubier, and Ducati loyalist Tommy Bridewell.
Below are the key times from the day:
Top times at 17:00
| Position | Rider | Nation | Team | Motorcycle | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Gerloff | USA | Kawasaki World SBK Team | Kawasaki ZX-10RR | 1:46.262 |
| 2 | Alberto Sura | ITA | Motocorsa Racing | Ducati Panigale V4 R | 1:47.246 |
| 3 | Philip Ettre | GER | Feel Racing Ducati | Ducati Panigale V2 | 1:48.735 |
| 4 | Garrett Gerloff | USA | Kawasaki World SBK Team | Kawasaki ZX-10RR | 1:49.235 |
| 5 | Lorenzo Baldassarri | ITA | Team Go Eleven | Ducati Panigale V4 R | 1:50.317 |
| … | … | … | … | … | … |
Key times at 13:00
| Position | Rider | Nation | Team | Motorcycle | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Xavi Fores | Spain | Bimota by Kawasaki Team | Bimota KB998 | 1:58.267 |
| 2 | Jonathan Rea | GBR | HRC Test Team | Honda CBR1000RR-R | 1:58.984 |
| 3 | Team ERC | Team ERC | BMW M1000 RR | 2:01.043 | |
| … | … | … | … | … | … |
Overall, the wet conditions slowed progress, but valuable data was gathered on new bike developments and rider performance.
Fan Take:
This update is crucial for racing enthusiasts since it provides early insights into how new bike designs and rider lineups may shape the 2026 World Superbike season. Despite tough weather, the tests reveal which teams are adapting well and hint at exciting competition ahead, keeping fans eager for the start of the championship.
