2018 world champion Lewis Hamilton spent his first weekend off after the Formula 1 season testing a Yamaha superbike at Jerez in Spain.

Hamilton has long spoken of his admiration for motorcycle racing and rides himself, even collaborating with MV Agusta on the special edition F4 LH44 last year. This weekend he was testing a Yamaha YZF-R1 alongside Pata Yamaha WSBK riders Michael van der Mark and Alex Lowes, with team principal Paul Denning later tweeting: “This bloke can REALLY ride. Talent for days and a proper good lad.”

Following the test, Hamilton took to Instagram to give his feelings on the outing, saying he has always been more of a fan of bikes than cars but isn’t targeting a race outing at this stage.

“Woke up feeling great today, miss riding the super bike already,” Hamilton wrote. “FYI I’ve always loved 2 wheels more than 4. Always wanted a motorbike since I was a kid, however am super grateful my dad got me a kart. But current new love is out on track on my bike.

“I have the highest regard and respect for these motorbike riders. It’s a much different discipline however requires some of the same basics such as time, patience, fearlessness, focus, agility and risk taking. All of which make a sport exciting.

“And yes, I’d love to race bikes. But these guys are on another level so I think I’ll just enjoy riding and testing the limits on track.”

With five drivers’ championships now to his name, Hamilton is currently contracted to race for Mercedes in F1 for at least two more seasons, with the 33-year-old signing a new deal this summer that takes him up to the end of 2020.