By Honda Racing’s 2024 international road racing preparations, continued in earnest during a 3-day testing event in Spain at Circuit Andalucia.
Notably three times TT winner Dean Harrison, sampled for the first time, the Superbike Fireblade, CBR600RR Honda’s he will race at the Briggs Equipment Northwest 200 and TT Races.
Post testing, the Oliver’s Mount lap record holder issued a fair dose of positivity, stating:
“It has been a busy time, but it has been good to get some time out with the team on both the Superbike and the 600.
I’ve felt at home straight away and feel like I’ve bedded into the team quickly, there are a lot of new faces and names to learn!
The Superbike is all new, so the focus has just been on learning the bike and getting laps in. I’ve also managed to get through a comprehensive Metzeler tyre test, and we seem to have found a good direction there.
I really enjoyed jumping onto the CBR600RR too and I feel like out of the box we are already in the right ballpark so we can go away and continue to build from there.”
Joining the Bradford rider at Andalucia for the Honda roads shakedown event, was namesake 2019 Senior Manx Grand Prix winner Nathan Harrison.
The Manxman’s testing itinerary was focused around, getting the miles in on astride latest specification Superstock, Fireblade machinery.
Like his new TT team-mate, he left Spain with more plusses then negatives. He stated:
“It’s great to be back with the team out here in Spain spinning some laps on the new bike.
I was here at Andalucia a few weeks ago with my own 2023 bike and I’m lapping quicker and more consistently here now, so I feel like we’ve made a good step forward, both with the new bike and in myself.
This is the first time that I have ridden with a split throttle, so the focus has been on getting that into a sweet spot and learning how to utilise it best.
I’ve gelled with it quickly, so I have to say a big thank you to the team for organising the test ahead of the year.”
Testing update issued this evening by Honda Racing, statement reads as follows:
“During private preseason testing at the Circuit de Andalucia, Honda Racing UK rider Nathan Harrison was involved in an incident whereby he crashed his motorcycle, resulting in a sprained left ankle. The ankle that, due to previous injuries, he has had reconstructive operations conducted on previously.
A precautionary check was undertaken on his return to the UK to confirm the diagnosis. On medical inspection, it was decided that he will undergo a small operation to release the swelling and increase the speed at which he can recover.
It is expected that Nathan will make a full recovery and this will likely have no impact on his upcoming season.”
Quotes courtesy of Honda Racing press team.
Photo courtesy of Honda Racing press team.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
