Returning champion Bradley Ray reunited with OMG Racing at Almeria this week as the 2022 title-winner began an initial shakedown with the team ahead his return to the 2025 Bennetts British Superbike Championship. Ray shared the track with the team’s rookie signing Joe Talbot, who begins his preparation for his debut Superbike campaign.
Ray was back on track with the team for the first time since celebrating title victory at Brands Hatch in 2022 and he completed some initial laps as he gets reacquainted with the BSB specification Yamaha R1.
Talbot meanwhile got his first taste of the Superbike as he prepares for his first season with the team, stepping up from finishing runner-up in the Pirelli National Superstock Championship this year. Reigning champion Kyle Ryde was on hand to offer advice to his new teammate, completing laps on his training Yamaha R1 and R6, before switching to his Superbike later in the week.
Ray said: “It’s great to be back. I haven’t been to Almeria for quite a few years now so it was nice to get back out and ride before Christmas then we will be ready for when we get out again in the new year. It was important to get some laps in on the BSB spec bike for me, start working with my crew again and just spin some laps.
“I am not changing too much with the bike; I just want to get comfortable and enjoy these few days. I am feeling good on the bike already to be honest, it’s nice to be back and I am happy. The team are working super well and then we will look for a few small changes and maybe for a direction, but I am super happy right now.”
Talbot said: “It was a day that dreams were made of; I really enjoyed the bike and used the time to get used to the track again and also for the first time riding the Yamaha Superbike. It was a mega day and I can’t wait to continue learning tomorrow.”