Ten Kate Racing Yamaha has had two strong and positive tests in Almeria and Barcelona. Dominique Aegerter set the fastest lap time during both days of the official World Supersport test in Catalunya. Galang Hendra Pratama also managed to make good progress with the Ten Kate Racing Yamaha R6.

The preparation of the Ten Kate Racing Yamaha team is in full swing for the 2021 World Supersport season. The Dutch team started the test campaign with their new riders Galang Hendra Pratama and Dominique Aegerter at the circuit of Almeria in Spain. The two-day test was mainly meant to build up some rhythm with the Ten Kate tuned Yamaha R6 bikes. This works out very well, because the Swiss and the young Indonesian were already up to speed during this test.

Ten Kate Racing Yamaha travelled from Almeria to the Catalunya circuit where the official WorldSSP test was held on Monday and Tuesday (29-30 March). Both days of testing consisted of two two-hour sessions. Dominique Aegerter dominated the first day and was at the top of the timesheet after both sessions. The Swiss rider ended third during the first session of the second day. During the final session of the test, Aegerter was able to improve once again and set with a 1’44.220 the fastest time of the WorldSSP test in Catalunya.

Hendra Pratama also felt more and more at home on the Ten Kate Racing Yamaha R6 during the tests. The 21-year old rider started strong in Almeria, but he crashed in the first session of the Barcelona test. During the second day, Hendra Pratama improved his lap time with seven tenths. The Indonesian rider ended the Catalan test with a 1’47.070, which put him on a nineteenth position in the combined results.

Dominique Aegerter: “We had a great test in Barcelona. I was immediately fast from the first moment. I know this track well form the past and that certainly helps. The team made a great job to improve the bike compared to the test in Almeria. We had a very strong pace with used tyres. We still can improve our one lap pace, but in the end we were on top, so it wasn’t too bad. Thanks to whole Ten Kate team who worked so hard this winter to prepare the bike and also thanks to all the sponsors. I feel myself at home in this team from the first moment. We leave the test with confidence, but there is also room for improvement of my riding style and the setup for the bike. I’m looking forward to the next tests in Navarra and Aragon!”

Galang Hendra Pratama: “I’m very happy to start testing with Ten Kate Racing Yamaha. The days in Almeria and Barcelona were very instructive. We’re making progress step by step and learning how we to be fast with the Yamaha R6. The race pace wasn’t bad in Barcelona. The team is helping me a lot to improve my riding style and the setup. I will never stop learning and improving. The next stop will be in Navarra. I want to thank the team for their hard work!”

Kervin Bos [team manager Ten Kate Racing Yamaha]: “Two official test days are done and we’re leading both days. This test gives a lot of confidence. The team started this Supersport project in November and this is the result of non-stop hard work. Technically we are in a very good position, but after these test days we already have a lot of plans for further development. Dominique made a very strong impression, especially with his race pace. Galang has had a difficult year. He started very strong in Almeria, but the early crash in Barcelona didn’t help. We have to go with him step by step, so he can fight in the points at the start of the season. As Ten Kate, we’re very proud to start this project. Supersport fits our company very well. I can’t wait to start racing!”

In the coming week, Ten Kate Racing Yamaha will continue testing at the circuits of Navarra and Motorland Aragon before returning to the Netherlands.