Job done by Neil Hodgson according to British Superbikes Rizla Suzuki boss

Neil Hodgson completed the two-day test on the Rizla Suzuki British Superbike at Cadwell on Thursday to give the team some positive direction to work on for next weekend’s round at Knockhill. 

Rizla Suzuki team boss Simon Buckmaster said: “Neil’s done exactly what we wanted him to do. He’s helped with information to help our two riders in future and we’ve been able to improve corner entry and corner exit, the two main areas that Chris Walker’s been struggling with.”

Neil Hodgson’s best lap was a 1:28.4 while Jonathan Rea’s fastest lap on the HM Plant Honda during the Cadwell Park two-day test was a 1:26.5, according to Honda Racing boss Neil Tuxworth.

But the test was Neil Hodgson’s first time at Cadwell Park since 2000 and he spent the first day acclimatising himself to the four-cylinder K7 GSX-R1000 after years of racing Ducati v-twins.

It didn’t help that he went down with food-poisoning on the first day of the test and was still suffering its after effects of feeling drained and tired on Thursday.

Neil Hodgson said: “We’ve definitely found a good base setting for the bike but it is a very sensitive machine.  I just needed more time and there’s no reason why we could not have made it more competitive.”

The proof of how the settings Neil Hodgson and the team worked on at Cadwell Park will translate to suit regular riders Chris Walker and Cal Crutchlow will become clear at the next British Superbike championship round at Knockhill next weekend.