Lucas Mahias ‘very happy’ with WorldSBK return, ‘I don’t have pain’

Lucas Mahias has completed his first day of WorldSBK action since being sidelined for almost four months by a scaphoid injury. 

Mahias’ rookie season came to an end following a race two crash involving Chaz Davies during last September's Catalunya round, however, the hand and wrist injury he suffered with began in Assen, thus making it a total of five rounds where the former WorldSSP rider was less than 100%.

Mahias was fourth fastest during yesterday’s first of two days testing at Jerez, while fellow Kawasaki rider Alex Lowes was quickest.

Speaking after his on-track return, Mahias told the official World Superbike website: "I’m very happy. Four months without riding a bike; it’s very nice for me to jump on the bike. These four months are maybe more like seven, eight months without pain on the bike. 

"After Assen I continued riding with pain, but now is the first time that I’m ready and my body is okay. The most important thing is that I don’t have pain in my scaphoid." 

In regards to his day-two schedule, Mahias is looking to continue with the work he did on day-one which includes suspension work, electronics and his own riding style after being away for such a period of time.

Mahias added: "I will be working on the suspension. This is the direction but also the electronics and my riding style because it’s not perfect. 

"I’m not a newcomer for this year but it’s a little bit the same because I missed the middle of the season. I have a lot of different points to work on and I will do the same as yesterday." 

Also on-track for the first time in 2022 was Team HRC and WorldSBK rookies Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge, while Jonathan Rea was at the track but elected not to take part. Whether it’s a full or half day, Rea is expected to ride during today’s final day.