With a large portion of the U.S. currently being vexed by subzero temperatures, polar vortices, and whatever the heck a “bomb cyclone” is, we were looking forward to some warm and comforting news from Portugal about Warhorse HSBK Ducati Flo4Law rider Cameron Beaubier‘s first stints aboard a Ducati Panigale V4 R Superbike. But, alas, a storm by the name of “Ingrid” severely harshed the mood at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. Decorum prevents me from using the “b-word” to describe this meteorologically mayhemic madam.

Simply put, it kept raining on the Portuguese parade.

Yet, despite the persistent precipitation in Portimão, Cameron and crew went to work. While many of the teams and riders, including quite a few from the WorldSBK paddock, packed up and left, our six-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion was on track and getting comfortable with his jet-black, Italian stallion.

The rain wasn’t conducive to particularly fast lap times, but seat time was of paramount importance for Beaubier at this first test. And seat time is what he got.

“The weather hasn’t been the best here in Portugal, but it’s really cool to be here with Ducati Corse,” Beaubier said. “We got our first laps in on wet tires.” His team added, “We didn’t get the sunshine we were hoping for, but we didn’t let the rain stop us.”

Warhorse HSBK Ducati Flo4Law plans to do much more testing back in the U.S. prior to the start of the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, which begins at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on April 17 through 19. And, of course, we’ll bring you the reports, results, and photos when they happen.

For the full 2026 MotoAmerica schedule and to purchase tickets for MotoAmerica events, click HERE