By With so much expectation around the new CBR 1000RR Fireblade SP Honda, anticipation is building as to who will be leading Honda’s 2017 roads challenge.
As for the last 11 years, it’s widely anticipated that 23 times TT winner John McGuinness, would compete for a 12th successive season with Honda.
However, it appears now that it is a possibility, that Honda could be considering ending it’s golden partnership with the seven times Senior TT winner, for it’s 2017 roads campaign.
If this proves the case, it would mark the end of the all time most successful rider/manufacturer combinations, in particular at the TT Races.
Recently John stated in an interview at Motorcycle Live on You Tube, produced by Racing Line Media, “I’m looking forward to doing a deal, with someone next year.”
He added though at the end of the interview, when asked about piloting the new Fireblade at TT 2017, “Hope so”.
Photo by Mark Corlett
Conor Cummins part of Honda’s factory roads set up from 2014 to 2016, is linked to moving to Padgetts, many people believe that the 50th Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, marked Conor’s last roads outing with Honda Racing.
If both Conor and John McGuinness, take on new opportunities in 2017, he would replace them at Honda?
One of the riders definitely in the fray to join Honda Racing is Lee Johnston. A six times international road race winner, Lee has all the qualities that Honda are looking for.
He’s proven at international level, has a huge amount of talent and ability, is ultra determined and has a strong will to win.
The former East Coast Racing rider, is also linked to competing for Suter at TT 2017.
Outside of Lee, it’s not clear cut, as to who else could link up with Honda for next season, the vast majority of the top twenty starters at TT 2016, are all either sorted for next year, or in firm discussions about their future mount’s.
Words by Stevie Rial
