Honda test at Cadwell Park

Ryuichi Kiyonari began a two-day test at Cadwell yesterday in a bid to turn around his fortunes on the HM Plant Honda. 

After his disappointing performance in the last BSB round at Brands Hatch, the British champion is in danger of missing the cut-off for the top six title-deciding, three-round  Showdown and really needs to be on top form at the final race of the regular season at Cadwell on Bank Holiday Monday.

The team have nothing different in the way of new parts for the test and Kiyo said: “We are testing electronics – always electronics. All year we have had problems finding a bike set-up I am comfortable with so tonight we are trying many things. It’s never easy.”

On the other side of the temporary awning in the Cadwell pit Shane Byrne was trying as many different permutations of chassis settings as the evening permitted, with different shock settings and linkages.

Shakey said: “We’ve swapped everything around to get the feel we’re looking for. Tomorrow we’ll try some different spec forks.”

Luke Jones was testing the HM Plant Honda superstock bike but crashed going into turn one. He lacerated his arm just above his elbow and after being treated at the circuit medical centre, left to get further medical treatment on the injury.

Team WFR Honda were on track with Glen Richards and Graeme Gowland. Their planned two-day test at Anglesey was rained off with no real work possible in dry conditions. Both riders were trying different combinations of chassis set-up and clutches.

Richards said: “Graeme’s working in one area and I’m working in another then tomorrow night we’ll swap around to figure the best possible combination.”

Peter Hickman was running quick lap times straight off with Tyco Honda. The team have nothing new for the test but will have a brand new spec engine for the BSB round. Patric Muff’s test came to an abrupt halt when his chain derailed over the Mountain.

Muff had briefly tested at the circuit pre-season but was struggling to learn his way around the undulating Lincolnshire circuit this evening and ran onto the grass at Park on one lap!

The test continues this evening.