In the second ever Motorcycle News story it is definitely time to have a brief check on preparations for the 2016 MCE British Superbike Championship, often regarded as the strongest National Superbike series in the World.
The Honda Racing British Superbike team continued its pre-season testing schedule this week, with two official MCE BSB tests, where all-three riders were pleased with their progress aboard the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.
Tuesday, MotorMartin was told, saw cold and windy conditions at Silverstone but Dan Linfoot, Jenny Tinmouth and Jason O’Halloran were all able to gain crucial settings for the opening round at the 5.9km Northamptonshire circuit next weekend (8-10 April). Linfoot ended the day sixth fastest, with team-mates O’Halloran tenth and Tinmouth just outside the top-20.
Yesterday at Donington Park saw better conditions with the early Spring sunshine making an appearance. Impressing after his return from injury, the O’Show was in the top-seven throughout the three sessions and ended the day fifth in the combined classification.
Meanwhile Yorkshireman Linfoot struggled in the early sessions finding the right setting at a different circuit on his CBR, despite this he was still firmly in the top-ten mix. During the final session of the day and after some changes to his machine he finished the day sixth fastest.
Team-mate Tinmouth continued her good progress aboard the Fireblade and worked her way up the timesheets, taking 1.6 seconds off her previous lap times at the circuit. Unfortunately in the final session she crashed out unhurt, but finished the day overall 22nd.
The Honda Racing squad, shared with MotorMartin, that they have enjoyed an intensive testing programme in the run-up to the start of the 2016 BSB season. With the development and hard work put in over the winter both the team and riders are confident of the season ahead, which kicks off with the opening round of the MCE British Superbike Championship at Silverstone on 8-10 April.
The following film from the official MCE BSB YouTube channel sets the Championship up well.
Live timing of round one will be available from britishsuperbike.com/live-timing
For all the latest news and information follow @HondaRacingBSB or check out the team’s Facebook page.
I’m happy with how the team are working together we have a few new members for this year, but to work in the way they have done is a credit to the guys and getting the CBR’s to where we are today. Dan, Jenny and Jason had two good tests in Spain and coming to Silverstone and Donington we have proved that we still have good potential with the Fireblade and also with all-three riders.
The riders have made great progress over the winter with their training and the hard work is definitely starting to show, with improved lap times all-round. Their input over the winter and during the tests has also benefitted the further development of the CBR to improve and eliminate the issues from last year. I’m confident in the package we have for the 2016 season and looking forward to round one next weekend.
Havier Beltran – Honda Racing team manager
Our testing programme this year has been hugely beneficial and I feel going into the opening round we’re in a really strong position. Myself, Jenny and Jason have all been working with the team over the winter to develop the Fireblade and the team’s hard work has given us a great package, so a huge thanks to them! Silverstone was very positive for me and I came away sixth overall, I did struggle a little yesterday at Donington just with some issues from previous settings, but we addressed this and I’m leaving there happy. I think Silverstone can be a strong round for us, and believe we can fight for some podiums.
Dan Linfoot / #4
’m really happy going to the first round, over the winter everyone has put in so much hard work and I am looking forward to go racing now. Both the UK tests have gone really well for me and I knocked 1.6 seconds off my personal best at Donington, so chuffed with that. I did have a small off during the last session yesterday, but I’m fine and happy with how the tests have gone. All the changes we’ve made to the CBR are good and positive, and have all enabled us to move forward so I’m really upbeat and looking forward to getting back out there.
Jenny Tinmouth / #20
I’m feeling really good leaving the UK tests, my body is feeling great; I’ve had a lot of rehab and physio and we’re back on it now! Spain was a good marker for me coming back from injury and we managed to work through a lot of good settings, then coming to the UK for two days and working through more settings. I feel we are in a better position now than last year and really believe we are ready to get racing. It’s great to be back in the top-five group, where I left off last year, so really now just want to get racing and see what we can do!
Jason O’Halloran / #22
MotorMartin will be following the fortunes of the Honda Racing Team with interest over the season. Starting this weekend.
Where will you go?