"The track was quite slippery but not really any worse than I expected,” he said following the test. “So we should be OK. It was just common sense to make more time testing on the race tyre than use a qualifier because that only means a fast time today, not for the race."
The highest placed Honda was that of Pierfransesco Chili and his new Klaffi Honda team, he managed to take the 14th fastest time, which is a good effort considering the team had to test recently using standard engines as their race items had not yet been built. This will be little respite though for Chili who is used to battling for the top five positions in the championship.
The Winston Ten Kate boys had a less than beneficial test with both riders succumbing to the same flu virus. 2004 championship contender Vermeulen only managed 39 laps over the weekend but still managed the 15th fastest time.
“Some riders have done well over 100 laps, but I've barely done 40,” said Vermeulen, “And I've struggled to do those!”
“I know there's more to come but only when I'm feeling better. The circuit's good and the bike has had a lot more to offer than I've had over the last two days. It'll be different when we're back here on Thursday.”
Former AMA and WSBK star Ben Bostrom, who is Renegade Honda's sole rider this season, will need to find a great deal of speed from his Koji backed Fireblade before the first race after only setting the 23rd fastest time at the teams first test.
Bostrom commented before the start of the season that he had unfinished business in the WSBK championship after leaving in 2002 following a very disappointing year to go back to the AMA.
He may well have a disappointing start to the year unless he gains the three-seconds needed to get back to the top, a feat he is unlikely to do without much needed testing time.
Former
MotoGP rider Abe and 250GP rider
Fonsi Nieto had a mixed introduction to Superbike racing, setting the 11th and 20th fastest times respectively.
