Honda, da Costa set for BSB return

Defending MCE British Superbike Champions Honda Racing will return to action at Donington Park, once more with Julien Da Costa on the bike.

Fresh from his and Honda's victory in the Oschersleben 8 Hours endurance event, da Costa will turn his attentions back to sprint competition as he looks to show the pace that saw him emerge as a front runner during his last BSB wild-card outing at Snetterton.

On that occasion da Costa qualified on the second row and picked up a top five finish, a result he is looking to repeat at Donington Park, a circuit where the Frenchman has enjoyed success in the past.

"In the past I have had some good results at Donington Park and in 2009 I just missed out on a podium because we had a fuel problem, so I'm looking forward to the first practice session on Friday.

"We haven't tested at Donington Park like we did at Snetterton, but the team have been working hard with the development of the bike and have tried many new changes. We have some more to try this weekend to keep improving the feeling of the bike and our aim is to be back in the top five, but for sure a podium in these races would be fantastic!"

There has been no full-time factory assisted Honda effort on the 2014 grid, despite winning the title with Alex Lowes in 2013, though Peter Hickman did claim a surprise maiden win for himself and the RAF Reserves team at Cadwell Park.