Althea BMW’s Jordi Torres was denied a first World Superbike podium since Qatar 2015, when an issue with his rear tyre forced him to retire four laps from the end of the second race at Misano.
After finishing a fine fourth on Saturday, Torres started from pole for Sunday’s second outing of the Rimini weekend. Having made several changes to the balance of his S1000RR’s chassis, Torres was confident he could challenge for another strong result.
The Spaniard took the lead form compatriot Xavi Fores on the fifth lap with a brave move on the inside ofTurn 12, and headed the field for the next seven laps.
Eventually succumbing to Marco Melandri’s advances, Torres still kept in touch with the Ducati rider and held the chasing Kawasaki duo of Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes at bay.
However, Torres began experiencing a severe vibration on his rear tyre and rapidly lost traction. Realising this was identical to the issues he encountered in the first race at Assen before suffering a puncture, Torres had no choice but to pull out.
“We were convinced we could do well,” he said.
“I started strong, making the most of being on pole. Having no-one up ahead helped, I could take my lines, get into a rhythm.
“I ran my race, pushing to the limit, giving 100% all the way. I ran with Melandri for several laps and continued to push, but then four laps from the end I felt some vibration and the rear was sliding around.
“I realised it was the same issue we had at Assen in race one.”
Torres was not the only rider to encounter an issue with his rear tyre. Yamaha’s Michael van der Mark suffered a failure while leading the race, the Dutchman experiencing more issues in race two but was able to make the finish in fourth. Kawasaki’s Rea also hit trouble with his rear tyre, though he too took the chequered flag in second.
Disappointed at missing out on the chance to take BMW’s first WorldSBK podium since Jerez 2013, Torres is nonetheless pleased at the fact he was able to run at the front of the field and hopes to carry that over to the next round at Laguna Seca next month.
“I thank my Althea guys, who came up with a significant chassis solution that we’d never tried before, that allowed me to find the right level of confidence and fully express myself.
“I’m so sorry I was unable to finish the race, but we have to take today’s performance and carry it to Laguna.”
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