The PATA Crescent Yamaha team will be trialling new parts on its R1 Superbike during the third round of the World Superbike Championship at Motorland Aragon as it looks to close the gap to rivals in front.

The returning manufacturer has enjoyed a solid start to the 2016 season with the new machine, but has raced on the cusp of this year's pace setters Kawasaki, Ducati and Honda, with Sylvain Guintoli delivering its best result thus far of fifth place.

However, for the first of the European rounds, Yamaha will be bringing new parts and focusing on the electronics in a bid to improve the bike's race pace.

"After a solid start to 2016 in Australia and Thailand, I am looking forward to carrying on the development of the World Superbike YZF-R1 as the season really kicks in with the European rounds.

"We have some new parts to try in Aragon as well as continuing the work already started with the electronics strategies. So it will be back to work as normal on Friday morning."

Team-mate Alex Lowes, meanwhile, is eager to kick start his season properly after an inauspicious opening two rounds left him with just one top ten finish and two DNFs.

"I'm looking forward to getting back out on the YZF-R1 at Aragon this week. The team have been working hard on development since the Thai races so I'm looking to close the gap on the guys in front. I'm anxious to see how quickly we can improve and take the next steps in the project and push hard for our first podium of the year as we move into Europe."