Althea Racing’s Matteo Baiocco and Nico Terol were left to lament poor weather conditions as this week’s two-day Portimao test session came to a close on Thursday. Despite this, both riders are sure that there will be much to come when they continue their pre-season programme in Jerez next week.

Terol joins the eni FIM Superbike World Championship from Moto2, having raced there as the final 125cc World Champion of 2011. The move to WorldSBK marks one of the most significant changes in the Spaniard’s career thus far.

“There are many differences!” Terol laughed when describing the distinctions between his machines of 2014 and 2015. “The Superbike has more power, the engine is incredible. Also, there are more electronics and the tyres are different. I like it a lot. Moto2 bikes are more rigid and I think more difficult. This Superbike is easier to ride, with the increased power and electronics being the most different things. This 2015 bike is new. The problem here at Portimao is the conditions; I need to be able to ride more kilometres in the dry in order to assess the settings properly.”

Italian newcomer Baiocco echoed his team-mate’s sentiments, hoping Althea can enjoy a fully dry test of its Ducati 1199 Panigale in the south of Spain from Monday.

“I haven’t had much time to test the bike in good conditions at this test, but I think things are looking positive for this year,” Baiocco began. “Step-by-step, the bike continues to improve. Testing will continue in Jerez next week; it should be good and we can then head to Australia in a positive mood.”

Last year, Althea Racing fielded a solo bike for Niccolo Canepa, who for 2015 is riding an EBR machine for the Larry Pegram-run Hero EBR squad.