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Dominique Aegerter was only able to use the first day of a two-day test in Jerez to get back into the swing of things after the long winter break.

A test scheduled for this Wednesday and Thursday at the Circuit de Jerez, to which most of the FIM Superbike World Championship teams had travelled to southern Spain as an opening to their preparations for the championship, which starts in a month's time, was marred by rainy weather. Despite forecasts to the contrary, conditions on the first of the two days were good, so that busy testing was already underway shortly after the track opened at 10:00 on Wednesday. On Thursday, heavy rain showers at times prevented proper work at the 4.2-kilometer circuit on the outskirts of Jerez de la Frontera, a city world-famous for its sherry wine.

After an unfortunate 2024 season with bad luck due to injury in the second half of the season, Dominique Aegerter was eagerly awaiting the start of his preparations on track. Despite the good conditions on the first day, the 34-year-old Yamaha rider and his team were unable to fulfil the hoped-for workload before the second day literally fell through.

Another two-day test is planned for next week in Portimao, Portugal, where Aegerter will hopefully be able to complete more laps and gather information. Immediately afterwards, all the equipment will be shipped to Phillip Island in South Australia, where the 2025 FIM Superbike World Championship kicks off in a month's time. An official two-day test will take place there in the same week. 2025 will be Aegerter's third season with the Italian GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team.

#77 Dominique AEGERTER (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team, Yamaha YZF R1)

«Unfortunately, the weather did not quite cooperate with our first test of the new year. On the first day, the conditions were stable and good. Thursday, however, was mostly rainy, although the sun did come out from time to time. In the end, the team decided to skip the test day due to the weather situation. Nevertheless, it was nice to be back on my race bike after a long time again. I have really missed that since October last year. That was why I needed a few laps at the beginning to regain confidence and speed. And it was also a check of my physical condition. This morning, I felt the efforts in some places. I have trained a lot in the last few months. But the lack of practice on a motorcycle has made itself felt. Unfortunately, the plate in my shoulder is also uncomfortable. But it will be removed on February 1st.»

«Apart from that, it was a great pleasure to see my team again. There are some new members who fitted in well straight away. The teamwork was great right from the start. I would like to thank everyone straight away, because they really had their hands full on the first day. There were a few minor technical problems that meant we couldn't get as much done as we had planned. Our focus is now fully on the second test in Portimao so that we are better prepared for the first race in a month's time. Once again, a big thank you to everyone, because January is always one of the most hectic months of the season. My thanks also go to all our sponsors and supporters. We are doing everything we can to be competitive from the very first race.»