Honda Racing UK in action at Oulton Park for BSB season opener
Oulton ParkRacing action got underway today as Oulton Park hosted the opening race of the 2021 Bennetts British Superbike Championship, where Honda Racing UK are ending the day on a positive note with the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP at the 2.692-mile Cheshire circuit.
Racing action got underway today as Oulton Park hosted the opening race of the 2021 Bennetts British Superbike Championship, where Honda Racing UK are ending the day on a positive note with the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP at the 2.692-mile Cheshire circuit.
Glenn Irwin has been working through the various unique challenges that Oulton Park throws at riders and teams. Qualifying for today’s race in eighth place, Glenn enjoyed a battle on track with Kyle Ryde and after passing his rival on the eighth lap, he managed to keep him at bay to come home sixth.
BSB rookies Ryo Mizuno and Takumi Takahashi got their first taste of a Saturday in the British series with qualifying and Race 1 taking place. Throughout the weekend Ryo’s times have improved as he continues to learn the layout, as well as getting up to speed riding with Pirelli tyres. Making up places from his 25th position on the grid, Ryo crossed the line 19th.
Teammate Takumi also worked to improve his lap times from Friday’s practice sessions. Having not long recovered from a dislocated shoulder, Takumi was keen to start the race and experience a BSB start procedure, but despite a valiant effort, he pulled in on the eighth lap.
The team will now debrief and prepare for another race day tomorrow with two 18-lap Superbike races at 13.15 and 16.45.
I’m happy with today’s results, coming into this weekend I set a target of being in the top-six, being realistic and looking at last year’s results, so that’s one objective ticked off. Saying that we have to improve for tomorrow, not just to look further ahead but to maintain the result we got today, we have to make progress tomorrow. We decided to race and qualify with the hard option tyre, which I feel was a good call and helped us get the top-six, but myself and the team are aware we have work to do ahead of tomorrow. It might not be a podium finish, but this result at one of our trickier circuits I’m happy with, and this weekend is about gathering points.
I was able to finish FP3 in good shape today and by following riders I was able to improve my best time by a second, I am exploring and learning every time, so I'd like to keep learning every session. I couldn't get a good flow from qualifying and I had a little trouble in the race as I find the circuit very physical, this is something we need to improve tomorrow. During the race I couldn't set a good pace and it was tough, but I was relieved to finish after the chequered flag. I'm positive that I was able to finish my first BSB race and I will try to finish higher in the two races tomorrow.
My first race experience was OK, but the result was disappointing having to retire early, however I did learn a lot on track. My shoulder now isn’t too painful, my main problem is muscle weakness, so after this weekend I have a lot to work on to get stronger for the next round. Tomorrow I am aiming to take part in both races, but I have to take each session as it comes starting with the morning warm-up and go from there.
