Hutchinson completes hundreds of laps in Spanish testing

Ian Hutchinson has had a successful return to two wheels for the first time since winning the Macau Grand Prix in November, and only his second time on a bike since the onslaught of surgery and recovery it took to prevent him from losing his leg in a 2010 crash.

The five-in-a-week TT winner completed a three day test at Cartagena with his FFX Yamaha MCE British Superbike team, before moving on to a further two days at Alcarras, taking the most of the Spanish sun to get time on the bike under his belt.

“It has been really good to get back on the bike after the winter as the last time I rode was at Macau last November. I just focused on doing my own thing at the tests but we have really done some mileage; at Alcarras alone I did 80 laps on the first day and then 60 laps on the second. I’mm still learning a lot about the Superbike and being back on the circuits but it has been really good.

“I’m looking forward now to getting back on one of the BSB circuits for another test as that will have a bit more relevance so we can keep moving forward. We have had a good start and now the team can evaluate what we have learnt in Spain and see how we can build on that back home.”

Also joining Hutchinson was Andy Reid, the Northern Irishman who will also race under the teams colours in the Superstock 600 class.

“I’m very happy with how our first test has gone; we have made progress every session and tried a lot of different things out.  I was learning a brand new bike, but I am feeling comfortable and confident not only with my riding but with my team environment. I’m looking forward to the next test ready for Brands Hatch.”