World Superbike Qatar test: Carlos Checa impresses first time out

Carlos Checa surprised both his rivals and his new Hannspree Ten Kate Honda team by immediately being on the pace at day two of the official World Superbike test in Qatar.

Despite missing the opening day of the test and the majority of the morning of day two, Carlos Checa’s opening six lap stint saw him set a 2:00.3 lap.

In the afternoon the Spaniard completed a further 18 laps setting a best time of 1:59.5, which was less than a second slower than Troy Corser’s day two best and faster than the Australian managed on his first day in Qatar.

Speaking to MCN, Carlos Checa said: “Today I just jumped on the bike for a ride and I liked it. I’m feeling well with the bike and the fact that we are competitive straight away shows that I made the right decision to come to WSB.

“I need to understand the tyres a bit more, but at this stage this is not critical. I feel that the bike suits my riding style and I suit how the bike works so I think I can be competitive.

“It means a lot to me that as soon as I have jumped on the bike the lap times have come.”