2017 has officially begun for the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team as Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark successfully concluded the first half of a four-day test scheduled on the Iberian Peninsula. Circuito de Jerez provided the opening location for the Yamaha duo's return to their YZF-R1's and with two full days on track under the Spanish winter sun, both riders completed extensive and important work.

Lowes concentrated his efforts on electronic performance development on the opening day, honing the new Yamaha strategies before switching his attention to more detailed chassis set-up work on Wednesday. Specifically focusing on the front forks set up and corner entry performance for his final day at the Spanish circuit, the Englishman also used the afternoon session to set out on a race-simulation. Initially thwarted by a red flag on his third lap, he eventually completed a 23-lap run with consistent and positive times. Lowes concluded the two days with a lap-tally of 138, his best time - a 1'40.600 - set on the same race compounds used during October's race event.

Focusing on chassis set up to fine-tune his feeling with his newly-acquired WorldSBK-spec YZF-R1, van der Mark spent the first hours on track assessing the developments made since November. With the hardware in place, the Dutchman used the second day to concentrate on the electronics, completing 145 laps and utilising his teammate's feedback from the previous sessions as well as his own impressions to create a progressive and successful overall test for the Pata Yamaha outfit.  

Portugal's Autódromo Internacional do Algarve is the concluding location for the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team as it prepares to head west for a further two days of testing scheduled for Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th January.