Sébastien Gimbert spent two days focusing on the development and set-up of the endurance version of the new BMW S1000RR, while Erwan Nigon and Arie Vos worked on the IDM-spec bike. Damian Cudlin was unable to attend due to official Moto2 testing duties at nearby Valence.

With most of Europe in the grip of winter, the milder weather enabled the riders to work through the complete programme. All three were able to sample the 2012 version of the S1000RR, and time was given over to setting up the new machines. Seb Gimbert spent two days on the endurance version before switching to the S1000RR which will star in the French Superbike Championship.
Despite a fall for Arie Vos, Gimbert says that the first session of the season was very promising: “It was nice to have decent weather. The team did a great job, and the bike and tyres were excellent…”

Erwan Nigon was also very pleased: “It’s a good way to get back into the swing. It was my first test with Team Van Zon – alpha Technik [from Germany]. We did some good work and I soon felt very confident, which showed in my lap times. There is still plenty to do before we are completely ready for the opening IDM race at Lausitz [April 21-22], but these past three days were very encouraging.”

Gimbert will be out testing again at the official FSBK test session at Le Mans on March 14-15. Gimbert/Nigon/Cudlin will then travel to Magny-Cours on March 27-28 to prepare for the Bol d’Or.

BMW, Erwan Nigon, IDM, Michelin, Sébastien Gimbert, Testing