Honda’s first BSB test wiped out by rain

Honda Racing’s first shakedown test at Snetterton, today, was wiped out by freezing temperatures, gusting winds and rain.

New signings Michael Laverty, Jon Kirkham and the rest of the crew spent most of the day huddled in the circuit restaurant, hoping for an improvement in conditions, but while other parts of the country were bathed in sunshine, the conditions in Norfolk didn’t improve all day.

Kirkham said: “I was hoping to get out today. This track has a little bit of everything and, in the right conditions it’s a good place to get a feel for things.”

Laverty added: “It’s disappointing but it’s good to see the bike and understand the changes that have been made to the bike for this year.

Padgetts Honda were also at the circuit, Italian Luca Scassa flying in from racing in a mountain bike race in San Remo at the weekend. “It was 20 degrees there,” said Scassa.

“The weather here is disappointing because I was so excited coming here to ride the bike for the first time.”

Ian Lowry was also disappointed but said: “The bike looks fantastic. There’s not been anything spared in the building of it and I can’t wait to ride it.”

Both teams will hoping for better weather as they head to Cadwell for a day of testing later this week.”