Crutchlow was fastest in testing for Yamaha at Misano this week.

The Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike Team completed a two-day test at the San Marino circuit ahead of next week’s eighth round of the World Championship in Misano, with riders Cal Crutchlow and James Toseland unofficially topping the timesheets.

The team spent the two days testing some different linkages on the bikes along with various electronic settings and also a new radiator design to aid cooling.

Rookie and current Supersport World Champion was fastest with a 1:36.2, matching the time set by Michael Fabrizio at last week’s Ducati test, however still a long way in arrears of the pace of retired ex-world champion Troy Bayliss’ 1:35.6.

“It’s been a pretty good test for us, the weather’s been difficult, either really hot or wet which has been challenging,” Crutchlow commented. “Still, we managed to get down to the fastest time here and I did that on a used tyre which should stand us in good stead for next week’s races. I’m looking forward to getting stuck into it again.”

Toseland was narrowly behind his teammate with 1 :36.3 as he continues his transition back to Superbike racing, confident of a good showing next week at the race weekend.

“We tried a lot with the electronics, all in all it’s been a good test for Yamaha,” the Englishman commented. “I’m putting a lot of time into the bike to try and find some extra time in the second half of the race and be more consistent. Everyone is doing a great job but we’re busy trying to catch up with the Aprilia.”

Australian Troy Corser was a strong third quickest at 1:36.4 to match Suzuki Alstare’s Leon Haslam, while world championship leader Max Biaggi rode his Aprilia RSV4 to the fifth quickest time with a 1:36.5.

Meanwhile, Ten Kate Honda’s Jonathan Rea had a successful test near the team’s base at Assen in the Netherlands.