The 2018 F1 champion Lewis Hamilton completed a test run with World Superbike riders at Jerez in association with Monster Energy.
Following his victory in the Abu Dhabi GP to end a successful F1 season where he won his fifth title, Hamilton did not take part in the post-2018 Pirelli test but flew back to Europe to prepare for his two-day test run with WSBK riders at Jerez.
The run was in support from Monster Energy – a similar kind to what was undertaken last year as well but that time it was with MotoGP rider Cal Crutchlow in America. This time he had Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark to give him company.
The two Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team riders brought their Yamaha YZF-R1 with Hamilton also abode a Yamaha R1 but in an all-black livery with his F1 race number #44. They used the Bridgestone tyres for their special run.
No media was present for the event but multiple reports on Sunday indicated that Hamilton had a minor crash when he fell off from the bike – the usual case for all MotoGP and WSBK riders, but he continued on still.
Naturally, there was no mention about the crash on the social media with Hamilton, Lowes and van der Mark sharing about the good times they had in the fun event. Hamilton also shared videos from the run on his Instagram Stories (which will vanish in 24 hours).
A full video of the run should be uploaded by Hamilton and also Monster Energy like the last time in due course of time. The British driver is a huge fan of bikes in general as well, especially with his association with MV Agusta.
Following the run, Hamilton shared his thoughts on Instagram which included a request to be at MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi’s ranch in Italy. “Good morning! Woke up feeling great today,” Hamilton wrote.
“Miss riding the superbike already. FYI I’ve always loved two wheels more than four. Always wanted a motorbike since I was a kid however I am super grateful my dad got me a kart.
“But current new love is out on track on my bike. I have the highest regard and respect for these motorbike riders. It’s a much different discipline however require some of the same basics such as time, patience, fearlessness, focus, agility and risk taking – all of which make a sport exciting.
“And yes, I’d love to race bikes. But these guys are on another level so I think I’ll just enjoy riding and testing the limits on track. Valentino Rossi I need to come to the ranch asap,” he concluded.
https://twitter.com/LewisHamilton/status/1069326118103261189
Just your average Sunday! Thanks guys! @MonsterEnergy @LewisHamilton pic.twitter.com/Mm2vgjbpKe
— Alex Lowes (@alexlowes22) December 2, 2018