WSBK: Ten Kate Honda Prepared For 2009 WSB Challenge
Ten Kate World Superbike Team look forward to first race at Phillip Island
The Ten Kate Honda World Superbike team has declared itself ready to challenge for the 2009 championship title after a two-day test at Phillip Island in Australia, venue for the first round of the series next weekend (27 February-1 March).
The squad’s latest recruit, British rider, Jonathan Rea, set the fastest time of the test with a lap of 1’31.8s, on a par with the existing lap record set by Troy Corser in 2007. As well as a fast lap, last season’s World Supersport runner-up from Ballymena in Northern Ireland, today concentrated on race simulations in preparation for the new season ahead.
Rea’s Hannspree Ten Kate Honda team-mate, Carlos Checa, did not at ride at Phillip Island today following a heavy crash yesterday, which resulted in a bang on the head and a sore shoulder. The Spaniard, however, who finished his rookie championship in 2008 in fourth place with two race wins, is confident of a strong start in next weekend’s opener.
Ryuichi Kiyonari, riding under the Honda Accessories banner for 2009, set a fastest time of 1’33.1s during the test and the Japanese ace is looking forward to adding to the three wins a scored in his first World Superbike championship last season.
Jonathan Rea – best time 1’31.8s
Well, according to some websites, I crashed today and was like seventh quickest. I’m happy to report, however, that I didn’t crash and did a 1’31.8s lap which we think was the fastest today! What matters is that we were able to find a setting that allows some tyre life and the end of the race and that I’m getting to grips with the traction control. We did two full race simulations today and the bike felt great. We know what we have to do next weekend but I’m really excited at the potential we’ve shown here.
Carlos Checa – 1’33.3s
My shoulder is still a little sore and my head, well, that’s always had some problems! No, I am really OK and will be fit for next weekend’s first round after some rest this week. I was able to complete a good number of laps to try some new things, but we were hoping to try a new rear tyre, which unfortunately we couldn’t do. With the weather in Portimao and the crash here, it hasn’t been the perfect winter testing, but I like Phillip Island and I’m looking forward to racing again next weekend.
Ryuichi Kiyonari – best time 1’33.1s
I had some problems finding a good set-up on the first day of this test but we made some changes for the second day and definitely made some progress. It was not so much to make one fast lap, but we were happy with consistency of laps during a race simulation. I had a small crash today but it was not such a problem. Of course, there is still some work to do but I am really looking forward to the start of the season next week.
Ronald ten Kate – team manager
We’ve had quite a good test here, although it was disappointing for Carlos. He took a big knock to the head and his shoulder was sore but he has had a thorough check-up and will be good to go next week. It’s a shame because he was one of the fastest riders at that point of the weekend, so I’m sure he will be on the pace when it matters. We’ve made some progress on the second day with Kiyo-san and he is definitely fast on race tyres. Jonathan also found things a little difficult on the first day, but some overnight changes put the bike in the right place and he put in some quick times. There are still some issues on race distances but, all in all, it’s been a positive test and we’re in good shape for next week and the season ahead.