Superbike World Championship rookie Philipp Öttl gets on well with the Ducati Panigale V4R right from the start and makes a lasting impression on the GoEleven team with his way of working
Philipp Öttl gained his first experience with the Ducati Panigale V4R at the Portimao Superbike World Championship test. Öttl did a lot of laps on the two days of testing in Portugal and came within a second of the top times on the first day. The gap widened on the second day, but Öttl’s fastest lap was set on the race tyre, while the front runners used the new SCQ tyre.
Wednesday was already very positive for Öttl. The German did 67 laps and came up with a 1:41.707 lap. With this time he would have reached 13th place in Superpole. By comparison, compatriot Jonas Folger clocked a 1’43.264 lap on the qualifying tyre at the October 2021 race weekend.
On the second day, Öttl improved his time to 1’41.061. This time would have secured him seventh place on the grid. The GoEleven team reacted with surprise. “Philipp’s approach was very professional,” praised team manager Denis Sacchetti. “Small changes were always made during the set-up. The focus was on ergonomics and seating position. ”
The ergonomics are in focus at the first WSBK test
Öttl himself took a calm approach to the first test with the WSBK Ducati. “The first test was about getting to know the bike, the electronics and how the team works. We started with the ergonomics,” said the German.
“On the second day we also dealt with ergonomics, with different handlebar stubs, seating positions and a higher seat. It looks like we found a good setting for me. I felt pretty comfortable on the bike,” explains the former GP rider.
On Thursday Öttl ended up in the gravel. “With the old qualifying tyre I had a slight crash. That was not a serious thing. After that I was able to improve again with race tyres. Finally we did a few practice starts,” reported the Ducati rider.
“The Superbike is quite complex. There are many areas to work on. We collected important data regarding the riding style,” Öttl described. “I am very happy with these two days of testing and now I will prepare for the Misano test. ”
Philipp Öttl makes an impression on team manager Denis Sacchetti
Team manager Denis Sacchetti couldn’t have imagined a better start with Philipp Öttl: “Philipp surprised everyone, including me! His time is really good for the first test with a superbike, especially when you consider that we rode on one of the most demanding tracks in the World Championship. That makes us happy. ”
“What is important is how he felt from the beginning with the bike and with the team. The aim of the test was to learn and get to know each other. We managed to do that. I am very happy with Philipp’s work. I like the way he works on himself. He learns very quickly. That is impressive,” said the GoEleven team manager.
Öttl will get another chance to test the Ducati Panigale V4R in mid-March. The GoEleven team will test together with the Ducati factory team and BMW in Misano.
