The STP Motorsport MV Agusta British Superbike team has received a double boost ahead of this weekend’s visit to Knockhill for round 9 of the Bennett’s British Superbike Championship.
As part of the Team’s ongoing programme Chris Burns will have the first stage development of the full Superbike engine in his number one bike this weekend. This engine is expected to generate an increase in horsepower that will bring the MV Agusta F4 1000 more in line with his main competitors. When combined with some further weight reduction on the bike since Oulton Park the Team is confident that Chris will come away from the weekend with his love of the Fife racing circuit enhanced by some good race performances.
Along with more speed from the MV Superbike, the team have also strengthened their relationship with the MV Agusta factory following in-depth talks with senior management and technical staff. Team owners Jon Strike and Simon Woods were joined by STP team manager Warwick Nowland and crew chief Paul Snell at the Varese factory. 2009 and beyond were viewed with specific plans initiated to combine the Italian brand with the English team. With Harley Davidson now purchasing MV Agusta, we can expect exciting changes.
Jon Strike – Team Principal:
“We are happy with our progress so far on a small budget and I will be watching very closely this weekend how the first stages of our engine modifications go… I expect it will be positive! After this weekend, we will continue development with the engine and the electronics to improve the bike’s acceleration out of corners. Chris likes the Knockhill circuit and we are confident that he can add to some of the podium finishes that we have already enjoyed this year.
“After our meeting at the factory it was reassuring to know that MV Agusta is recognising what we are achieving here in BSB. The new co-operation is starting immediately with input from MV Agusta’s engineers on weight reduction and engine modifications that will be tested and in place by the time we get to Cadwell Park.“
Warwick Nowland – Team Manager:
“The past few weeks since Oulton Park have been busy as usual. The team have moved forward in many ways with the changes to the bike in terms of weight and power. As racers we want to win every race and for me, Oulton was disappointing for the whole team but I am confident the guy’s in the workshop will deliver a good package and we should have a great weekend.
Chris Burns – Rider:
“After a disappointing weekend at Oulton Park I am really looking forward to getting back in the groove at Knockhill. It is a circuit that I like and my results in the past reflect this. To go there with the MV Agusta with the latest developments coming on stream will be an added bonus. Adding power and removing some of the excess weight from the stock bike will certainly make my life easier and hopefully will give me the opportunity to challenge for a podium position in the Cup race.
