When we got our bike handling better the race set up was pretty good, I think we could have been in a good position. We have quite a few positives to take from the weekend as the bike seems to be coming on form. The Mallory test was good so when we go to Mallory we should be in a good position and finally start moving forward with the bike. We have a lot of new things we need to try and I think really what we need now is a test somewhere. A good day or maybe two days just banging some of the stuff in and just eliminating some things. We’ve got so many different components and different things on software to try. If we can get a better base setting we can go to each circuit and get the bike better each time. We’ve a bit to go to catch up to the factory Ducatis and Hondas, hopefully in a couple of races we can be back on the podium again.
I think I was one of the only people who likes the changes that have been made to
Mallory Park. There was a lot of controversy over it and quite a few people were saying it is a bit Mickey Mouse, but I think it has added to the circuit. We still have a bit of a fast corner on the way into it Gerrards. The first corner is maybe a bit too slow really but the left right on the way out is quite good. There is some sideways action on the Superbike and even the Supersport, I’ve seen them spinning it up so I think it adds something. That right hander is a nice corner, but it is really hard to get traction to go forward; we are just sideways out of it with the horse power of the Superbike. It is good fun, people have said it has probably lost another passing spot but I don’t think so I think it will be good. The only thing I’m worried about is the first corner on the first lap of the race with thirty Superbikes trying to cram into that tight chicane. Apart from that I think they have done a good job of it.
We’ve got no testing planned before Mallory, but maybe since we missed the racing here at Mondello maybe we will get some.
Croft is our nominated test circuit so I might speak to the boys and see if there is a chance of getting out somewhere. If we don’t get any testing between now and then at least we have quite a break before heading to
Knockhill. So somewhere in there we should be cramming in some testing just to get those last few improvements that we need with the bike and make that next step.
