2026 Thu 19 Mar

McAMS Yamaha Complete Productive Pre-Season Test at Andalucía

Andalucía Testing

Testing

McAMS Yamaha concluded a highly productive two-day private test at Andalucía yesterday, making an impressive start to their 2026 campaign preparations as the new season draws closer.

The eagerly anticipated pre-season outing marked the first time the race-specification Yamaha R9 has been rolled out in race trim, with Ben Currie and Harry Truelove both making strides in refining the proven Supersport package.

The team’s Spanish test provided valuable time to evaluate a range of components and build familiarity with the characteristics of the twin-cylinder machine – which is set to make its competitive debut in the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship later this year.

Both Currie and Truelove leave Andalucía with a clear development direction and a stronger understanding of what will be required to extract the full potential of the R9. The duo completed an abundance of purposeful laps throughout Wednesday and Thursday, posting competitive lap times around the 3.12-mile circuit.

With positive momentum behind them, the pair now look ahead to the first official test of the year at Donington Park in early April, where a further two days on track will present another opportunity to build on the gains made in Spain.

On the Superbike side of the garage, Brad Ray made his long-awaited return to the Yamaha R1 – marking his first time on track aboard the superbike since Brands Hatch late last year. Ray wasted little time shaking off the winter cobwebs, quickly finding his rhythm and setting the tone on the opening day with lap-record contending pace while working through a structured test plan.

With the team now back on UK soil, attention turns firmly to the official test on 3–4 April.

Brad Ray

McAMS Yamaha - Rider (British Superbike Championship)

“It was fantastic to be back out in Spain and get some time on the McAMS Yamaha R1. We covered a lot of ground over the two days, testing a wide range of components and gathering valuable data on the Superbike package. We’re definitely heading in the right direction as we approach the first official test of the year at Donington Park, and I’m looking forward to using that as another opportunity to make further progress before the season gets underway. A big thank you to the entire team for their hard work and dedication throughout the test.”

Ben Currie

McAMS Yamaha - Rider (Quattro Group British Supersport)

“We’ve just wrapped up a really productive test on the race-spec McAMS Yamaha R9 – and what a feeling! I’m pleased with the progress the team and I made across the two days, and confident that we’re heading in the right direction as the season draws closer. There are always areas to work on, but that’s exactly what testing is for. We’ll arrive at Donington Park with a solid foundation and a clear plan to extract even more from the package ahead of round one at Oulton Park.”

Harry Truelove

McAMS Yamaha - Rider (Quattro Group British Supersport)

“It’s been a really enjoyable couple of days getting to grips with the McAMS Yamaha R9. My initial impressions are positive, the bike is a pleasure to ride, and it’s clear we have a strong package beneath us as the season approaches. The team worked tirelessly to improve my confidence throughout the two days, and I’m sure that feeling will only grow as we continue our preparations at Donington Park in a few weeks’ time. I can’t wait to get back out there.”

Steve Rodgers

McAMS Yamaha, Team Principal

“It was great to bring the whole team together for the first time – having both the R1 and R9 sides of the squad united in one place proved really valuable ahead of the first official test of the year. Brad, Ben and Harry are all pleased with the progress made across the two days, and we’re in a strong position to build on that further when we get to Donington Park. Thanks to the team for all their hard work over the last two days, now, the preparations begin for Donington Park on April 3-4.”