Xavi Cardelús Hits 1:33.167 in World Supersport Pre-Season Test at Phillip Island

Andorran rider Xavi Cardelús concluded pre-season testing for the World Supersport Championship at Phillip Island on Tuesday, achieving his fastest lap of 1:33.167—six tenths off the category's best time and under two seconds from his Superpole mark there last year.

Tuesday's second test day built on Monday's 63 laps, during which Cardelús ranked among the leaders in distance covered while adapting to his new Yamaha after last season's Ducati. Rain had hampered earlier sessions at Jerez and Almería, limiting preparation. On Monday, he posted 1:34.229 in the first session, improving to 1:33.960 in the second—1.4 seconds off the category best. Efforts focused on rear grip and adjusting his riding style to the Yamaha's characteristics. "This first day at Phillip Island was mainly about finding more rear grip, which wasn't easy due to the circuit's asphalt and my limited hours on the Yamaha," Cardelús said. He added that the team had identified a development path for Tuesday and described the 1:33.960 as "quite improvable," emphasizing base setup over outright pace.

Progress continued Tuesday. In the morning session, interrupted by a red flag, he sharpened to 1:33.646. He then advanced to 1:33.167 in the afternoon, boosting overall feel and performance despite ongoing rear grip troubles that sapped confidence—a challenge shared by all Yamaha riders. "Today I improved, but it wasn't enough despite the clear step forward," Cardelús said. "The bike's rear grip behaviour made me lose confidence." He noted Friday's remaining work ahead of the opener would not be ideal.

The season starts at Phillip Island with Superpole at 04:55 on Friday, followed by races at 04:30 on Saturday and Sunday.