The HANNspree Ten Kate Honda team has left Spain with an optimistic feeling after it finalised a successful three-day development test on the new CBR1000RR Superbike. The three men strong squad, each of them newcomers to the 2008 Superbike Championship, were able to demonstrate continuous improvements for the duration of the last test ahead of the series kick-off at Qatar on 23 February.
Ronald ten Kate: Team manager: “I am pleased with the results of this 3-day test because it has given us a good indication of the behaviour of the new machine. So far it doesn’t look like the CBR1000RR has any unpleasant surprises in stock for us. We have been able to achieve some important progress given the relatively short time we have been on the track. All three riders managed to complete about 900 km each on the track without enduring any technical difficulties to the bike. There still is a lot of development to do before the start of the new season, but both the team and the riders have shown their eagerness to give everything in order to be well prepared ahead of the first race in Qatar.”
Carlos Checa: 1.36.3 “For sure we have made a lot of improvements to the new machine during this test. Today we basically tested some back-to-back parts we had already tested on the first day of the session so we didn’t improve our lap times a lot compared to yesterday. Our starting point is good, but we still have a lot of development work to do. We cannot predict what will happen on race day in Qatar, but I do think that we will come well prepared.”
Ryuichi Kyonari: 1.36.3 “It was a good 3-day test for me with my new team, the new CBR1000RR and the new Pirelli tyres. We have learned a lot and made some good progress across the duration of the test. Considering the short time of preparation we had I would like to give my compliments to the team who have worked so hard and succeeded so well in getting the bike ready in time.”
Kenan Sofuoglu: 1.36.8 “I am really satisfied with the improvements we made during this 3-day test. On the last day I started to change my riding style and position on the bike which immediately led to better lap times and a more confident feeling with the machine. I believe this new Honda Fireblade is perfect for my first year in Superbike. There is still a lot for me to learn, but with the team’s experience and dedication I will hopefully be able to make a difference on race day in Qatar.”
Conditions: moderate temperatures, overcast
