GixerGaz
09-02-2007, 14:17
http://www.gixerjunkies.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=7413&stc=1&d=1171027011http://www.gixerjunkies.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=7414&stc=1&d=1171027011
The Hannspree Ten Kate Honda World Superbike and Supersport teams have completed the final pre-season test in Valencia.
A previous F1 test at the Spanish track left a slippery surface behind and that coupled with wet and windy weather meant that conditions were far from ideal for the team.
Despite this, the riders recorded satisfactory lap times and the team left the Spanish circuit ready and prepared for the first round in Qatar. Former World Champion, James Toseland took the opportunity to warm-up for the first race and finished the test with a best lap time of 1min 35.40secs.
"This test has just been a bit of a shakedown really," said Toseland, "We didn't have much to test but it's nice to have a bit of a ride-out before the first race in 11 days time. It was quite breezy out there, but the tyres were pretty good considering the conditions, so I am happy."
His team-mate Roberto Rolfo improved even further from previous tests as he becomes more familiar with the Honda CBR1000RR. The Italian rider gradually reduced his lap time over the two days to end on a final best of 1min 36.54secs.
"Valencia has been a track that I have had problems with in the past, but if I compare this test to the one we did here last November, my riding has improved a lot," commented Rolfo, "The team has also taken a big step forward and we were much quicker to understand what we needed to do to the bike. The lap time I did this morning was much closer to the top times in World Superbike, so I am happy with that."
In the Supersport camp both Sebastien Charpentier and Kenan Sofuoglu continued to get to grips with the new Honda CBR600RR. The two riders secured best lap times of 1min 37.90secs and 1min 37.40secs respectively. The new bike is proving to be much quicker than its predecessor and the team is feeling positive about the forthcoming season. With just 11 days to go until Qatar, the whole team are now eager to get racing!
Reigning Supersport World Champion, Charpentier said, "The conditions were bad because of the F1 test and the weather, but every day I learn more about the new bike. I am happy with the test overall and confident about the first race. I think it is possible for me to finish on the podium."
His young team-mate, Sofuoglu was happy with the test, "We have experienced a few problems in this test, particularly with the bad conditions. However, I am feeling very happy and we are still setting better lap times than before. I am really looking forward to Qatar. We have done some good testing and I feel more confident
Team Manager, Ronald Ten Kate admitted his team are ready to start racing, "Even though the track and weather conditions weren't the best we still leave Spain in a positive mood. Despite the circumstances, the Superbike and Supersport lap times were quite fast. This was also a good chance to test on a tighter track compared to the previous tests in Qatar and Phillip Island. We have definitely made improvements over the winter, so now it's time to go racing. We have four riders who are eager to start the season and hopefully we can be up at the front in both classes from the start."
The first round of the World Superbike Championship takes place at the Losail circuit on the 24th February.
The Hannspree Ten Kate Honda World Superbike and Supersport teams have completed the final pre-season test in Valencia.
A previous F1 test at the Spanish track left a slippery surface behind and that coupled with wet and windy weather meant that conditions were far from ideal for the team.
Despite this, the riders recorded satisfactory lap times and the team left the Spanish circuit ready and prepared for the first round in Qatar. Former World Champion, James Toseland took the opportunity to warm-up for the first race and finished the test with a best lap time of 1min 35.40secs.
"This test has just been a bit of a shakedown really," said Toseland, "We didn't have much to test but it's nice to have a bit of a ride-out before the first race in 11 days time. It was quite breezy out there, but the tyres were pretty good considering the conditions, so I am happy."
His team-mate Roberto Rolfo improved even further from previous tests as he becomes more familiar with the Honda CBR1000RR. The Italian rider gradually reduced his lap time over the two days to end on a final best of 1min 36.54secs.
"Valencia has been a track that I have had problems with in the past, but if I compare this test to the one we did here last November, my riding has improved a lot," commented Rolfo, "The team has also taken a big step forward and we were much quicker to understand what we needed to do to the bike. The lap time I did this morning was much closer to the top times in World Superbike, so I am happy with that."
In the Supersport camp both Sebastien Charpentier and Kenan Sofuoglu continued to get to grips with the new Honda CBR600RR. The two riders secured best lap times of 1min 37.90secs and 1min 37.40secs respectively. The new bike is proving to be much quicker than its predecessor and the team is feeling positive about the forthcoming season. With just 11 days to go until Qatar, the whole team are now eager to get racing!
Reigning Supersport World Champion, Charpentier said, "The conditions were bad because of the F1 test and the weather, but every day I learn more about the new bike. I am happy with the test overall and confident about the first race. I think it is possible for me to finish on the podium."
His young team-mate, Sofuoglu was happy with the test, "We have experienced a few problems in this test, particularly with the bad conditions. However, I am feeling very happy and we are still setting better lap times than before. I am really looking forward to Qatar. We have done some good testing and I feel more confident
Team Manager, Ronald Ten Kate admitted his team are ready to start racing, "Even though the track and weather conditions weren't the best we still leave Spain in a positive mood. Despite the circumstances, the Superbike and Supersport lap times were quite fast. This was also a good chance to test on a tighter track compared to the previous tests in Qatar and Phillip Island. We have definitely made improvements over the winter, so now it's time to go racing. We have four riders who are eager to start the season and hopefully we can be up at the front in both classes from the start."
The first round of the World Superbike Championship takes place at the Losail circuit on the 24th February.