Photo Courtesy of Worldsbk.com press

Catch him if you can… Tom Sykes tops the time sheets on both days at the Jerez test.

Former World Superbike Champion Tom Sykes got his 2016 World Superbike season off to a good start as top of his class at the pre-season test in Jerez, Spain. Sykes’ 1:39.924 was not only fastest over the two-day test, it was quicker than his pole position set on the fire-breathing works bike in 2014.

Trailing Sykes by .123 of a second was Aruba.it Ducati’s Davide Giugliano. Giugliano’s teammate Chaz Davies was not far behind with a 1:40.110.

American Nicky Hayden has adjusted well to his Ten Kate Honda. The World Superbike rookie was in fourth and .61 of a second off of Sykes’ fast time.

“I was able to do a race simulation and to use the qualifying tire and in the end, the lap-time was not too bad,” Hayden said. “There is still room for improvement. The winter season went too quick and the weather did not help, but now it is time for Phillip Island and I look forward to having some fun.”

Photo Courtesy of Worldsbk.com press

He may be a rookie in World Superbikes, but Nicky Hayden comes to the series with loads of experience.

Hayden’s young teammate Michael van der Mark ended the test fifth ahead of Barni Racing Ducati’s Xavi Fores.

Still getting to grips with his new ZX-10R, the reigning champ – Jonathan Rea – finished seventh. Pata Yamaha’s Sylvain Guintoli and Alex Lowes concluded the test eighth and ninth, respectively. Rounding out the top 10 was Josh Brookes on the SMR BMW.

The fastest World Superpsport rider was reigning champion Kenan Sofuoglu and British Superbike rider James Ellison finished 12th overall.

2016 World Superbike Jerez Test Combined Times

1. Tom Sykes (GBR) Kawasaki Racing 1:39.924

2. Davide Giugliano (ITA) Ducati Aruba 1:40.047

3. Chaz Davies (GBR) Ducati Aruba 1:40.110

4. Nicky Hayden (USA) Honda Ten Kate 1:40.534

5. Michael van der Mark (NET) Honda Ten Kate 1:40.601

6. Xavi Fores (SPA) Barni Racing Ducati 1:40.761

7. Jonathan Rea (GBR) Kawasaki Racing 1:40.856

8. Sylvain Guintoli (FRA) Pata Yamaha 1:41.018

9. Alex Lowes (GBR) Pata Yamaha 1:41.361

10. Josh Brookes (AUS) SMR BMW 1:41.826

11. Leon Camier (GBR) MV Agusta 1:42.182

12. **James Ellison (GBR) GBMoto Racing Kawasaki 1:42.442

13. Karel Abraham (CZE) SMR BMW 1:42.628

14. Tati Mercado (ARG) Ducati Aruba 1:42.641

15. Sylvain Barrier (FRA) Team Pedercini Kawasaki 1:42.886

16. Mike Rinaldi (ITA) Ducati Aruba 1:42.969

17. *Kenan Sofuoglu (TUR) Team Puccetti Kawasaki 1:43.091

18. **Peter Hickman (GBR) GBMoto Racing Kawasaki 1:43.420

19. *Randy Krummenacher (SWI) Team Puccetti Kawasaki 1:43.582

20. Jeremy Guarnoni (FRA) Team Pedercini Kawasaki1:44.044

21. *Lorenzo Zanetti (ITA) MV Agusta 1:44.278

22. Christophe Ponsson (FRA) Team Pedercini Kawasaki 1:44.731

23. *Jules Cluzel (FRA) MV Agusta 1:44.802

*World Supersport

**British Superbike