Caricasulo makes GMT94 Yamaha debut as riders test at Navarra

Federico Caricasulo has made his GMT94 Yamaha debut as he returns to the WorldSSP class after a difficult rookie season in WorldSBK. 

The Italian rider was one of many riders from both World Supersport and World Supersport 300 to get a taste of the new Circuito de Navarra which was recently added to the 2021 calendar. 

Caricasulo joins the GMT94 Yamaha team alongside perennial WorldSSP title challenger Jules Cluzel to form one of the strongest teams. 

The pair were joined by Yamaha MS Racing’s Marc Alcoba and Pawel Szkopek from WorldSSP, while Unai Orradre who competes for the same outfit in WorldSSP300, was joined by rival Ana Carrasco of the Kawasaki Provec team.

Speaking about getting back on track with his Yamaha, Cluzel said: "We are here after five months which for me, was without riding any bike. I was so happy to be back on the bike but a bit scared because five months is a lot.

"At the end, after a few laps, I felt quite comfortable, so I was really happy about that. On day two, we made a step but I still believe we can make another one.

"I feel a little bit sore physically because I hadn’t done any laps before. The first step of 2021 preparations are done, now it is back home to work on my physical condition."

Cluzel has never won the Supersport championship, but has finished runner-up three times, and third in the standings a further three times. 

It will be a tough task for Caricasulo, however the Italian is no stranger to having a tough team-mate, as in 2019 he was involved in one of the better championship fights with his team-mate and eventual champion Randy Krummenacher. 

Speaking about his first test with the team at Navarra, Caricasulo added: "I’m here in Navarra for my first test with GMT94 Yamaha. I’m really happy because we worked a lot today to get to know each other and work on the bike.

"The track is very nice, a little bit small but I like this because it has fast parts and slow parts, so it is a complete track.

"I’m happy to be back on the 600cc bike; after the first laps, it was difficult to get the feeling back and get used to the corner speed, but after two days, I have it back.

"I’m really happy as we made a big step from day one, and I think now we can focus on the Barcelona test with everyone else."