Ten Kate Honda Riders’ Debut At Vallelunga
September 18, 2008
The Ten Kate Honda team are being cautious with their expectations as they reach Vallelunga this weekend as riders Ryuichi Kiyonari and Carlos Checa prepare to compete at the Italian track for the first time.
The team have been very much in form recently, having won three of the last four races courtesy of Japanese rider Kiyonari. However, with the last two meetings being at Brands Hatch and Donington Park, expectations of the reigning British Superbikes Champion are likely to be lower going into the unknown territory of Vallelunga.
Kiyonari won’t be completely new to the Italian track however, having tested there back in July.
“At least I know the circuit at Vallelunga, because we tested there in July. I think this will be very important because I do not have to spend time learning the track. The times at the test were not fast enough, but I got a good feeling for how the CBR1000RR works there and we know which areas we need to improve to get another good result.
“Of course, I am feeling confident at the moment, but I know I must keep focused. I had too many crashes at Donington and made too much work for the team. I will try my best to make it easier for them this weekend!”
It’s a similar story for Spanish teammate Checa, having also tested in July. However Checa is less upbeat about racing on the circuit.
“Although we tested at the circuit in July, it was not such a positive feeling. It’s a bit of a Mickey Mouse circuit, but it’s the same for everyone, I guess. We had one or two tyre problems and found it a little difficult to manage the power in the slower part of the track, but it was very hot during the test.
“I think it will be cooler this weekend, which will hopefully help the tyres to work a little better as well. But I want to get back towards the top at Vallelunga and get some better results than I have had lately.”
Third rider Kenan Sofuoglu is more upbeat about travelling to the Italian circuit being arguably the most experienced on it, having won the supersport contest there a year ago.
What Else?“Vallelunga was good for me last year in World Supersport and I won the race there from the front row. We tested the superbike earlier this year and, for sure, it’s a very different circuit on a CBR1000RR than on the CBR600RR!
“The test will be important to try and get a better result, because Donington was certainly not good for me with the crash in the first race. My shoulder is getting better, though, and I have a few more days before I have to ride the bike, so it should not be a big problem.”
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