HONDA RACING UK IS BACK ON TRACK FOR 2023 PRESEASON PREPARATIONS

The Honda Racing UK team kicked off its 2023 season preparations with a busy testing schedule across three different race tracks in Spain, culminating in the first official Bennetts British Superbike three-day test at the 2.4-mile Navarra Circuit.

Returning to the team for 2023, BSB rider Andrew Irwin was able to reacquaint himself with the Fireblade that he has previously ridden to the top step of the podium, albeit he returns to a bike two years further into its development cycle. His testing program was concentrated on identifying a base setting as he looked to refine his riding style to suit the Honda once more. His return to the team was seamless as he posted the fifth quickest time at Navarra and was consistently quick on used tyres.

Before attending the official test, the team completed a total of seven days of running across two private tests at Monteblanco and Andalucia. After clocking up several laps across the first two days of the initial private test and finding a comfortable setting, Tom Neave was unfortunately involved in an incident on day three causing an injury to his shoulder. He received medical attention at the circuit before returning to the UK where he underwent further medical inspection and received treatment accordingly for a broken collarbone.

In preparation for this year's road racing campaign, riders John McGuinness MBE and Nathan Harrison were able to capture valuable data aboard their Honda CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblades across the two private tests. Acclimatising to riding on circuit again after their respective off-seasons, both riders primarily focussed on getting laps under their belts as they got themselves back up to racing speeds. John was also able to test some Metzeler development rubber in preparation for the upcoming road races. Meanwhile, Nathan utilised the testing opportunity to integrate himself with the team and begin to adapt his riding style to suit the unique characteristics of riding on slick tyres free from electronic rider aids.

The Honda Racing UK team will now return to the UK to participate in two further Official BSB tests, the first of which takes place at Donington Park Circuit on 25th-26th March.

#18 Andrew Irwin

"Obviously it's nice to go into the final round with a mathematical chance of winning the championship, however this is racing and anything can happen, and there's a lot of riders hot on Bradley's (Ray) and our heels. I think a realistic goal for the weekend is second in the championship and that's the battle we have, which is something we can control. We made some steps with the Fireblade a few rounds ago that have now been refined. I have also made a step with myself and some old injuries, which are now no longer injuries and it's allowed me to gel with the bike where I feel we're getting the maximum potential from the Honda. If we're able to capitalise on this over the weekend I feel we can stand on the podium. This weekend we're aiming for second in the championship, third would be at the worst and the title at the best, but it's most important to stand on that rostrum in some position."

#68 Tom Neave

"I know it was brief but it was great to get back out on the bike after what felt like such a long off-season. It was unfortunate what happened and obviously, this isn’t the way that I wanted to start the year, but I’m doing everything I can to heal up quickly and get myself back to full fitness ready to make the first UK test."

#3 John McGuinness MBE

"Preseason testing has been brilliant and I’ve really really enjoyed it. Seven days of riding at two different race tracks and getting familiarised with the bike again. It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden the Fireblade in anger as the last time I rode the superbike was for the Senior at last year's TT, so it’s great to get back in the swing of things and get prepared for this year. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it; I’ve enjoyed working with the team; the bike’s mint and I’ve enjoyed working with Nathan as a teammate. Roll on some racing!"

#15 Nathan Harrison

“It was a fantastic first testing program with Honda Racing UK. It’s been a completely new environment for me as I’ve been used to doing it all myself! It was a big learning curve for me but the team welcomed me with open arms and really helped me to settle into things. I’ve managed to get plenty of miles in and every day the bike has felt more and more like my own. Even though I wasn’t chasing a lap time, I was made up with how quick I went too! I just can’t wait to get back on it!”