BSB: Linfoot & O'Halloran remain with Honda for 2017

Dan Linfoot and Jason O’Halloran will once again spearhead Honda Racing’s attack on the MCE British Superbike title in 2017.

The duo impressed this year aboard the aging, eight-year-old Honda Fireblade to both secure spots in the title fighters’ Showdown, taking 13 podiums between them plus O’Halloran securing his debut win in a Honda 1-2 at Snetterton.

The results see the pair rewarded with the chance to campaign Honda’s all-new Fireblade SP2 in next year’s series, which sees significant engine and chassis upgrades in order to bring it in line with its latest rivals.

The Louth-based squad will return to just a two-rider line-up for the 2016 with the departure of fan favourite Jenny Tinmouth from the team.

TOP STORIES

• Ducati Monster 1200 S: Five things we love about it
• Live like Barry Sheene
• A new breed of home-brew custom
• Rieju MRT 50 SuperMoto Trophy back by popular demand
• Is this the bike of the future?

“I’m really happy to remain with Honda Racing for my third year,” said Linfoot. “When I first signed in 2015 it was always in the back of my mind that I’d like to remain until the new Fireblade was available and I’m so pleased that this is now possible. Next year will be an exciting time for the team with the new CBR after eight years with the old model, and I’m excited to continue to help with the development. We’ve had two strong years with the last model Fireblade, so I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do on the new one and I’m certain we can be even stronger than we have been. Reflecting on this year, I’m happy with our performance, of course I would have liked to have secured my first race win, but I know that will come, maybe some more podiums, but all in all, it was a great year for us and puts us in a good place going into the New Year. I can’t wait to get testing, try the new Blade and get the season underway!” 

O’Halloran added: “I’m really pleased to be back with Honda for 2017, this year was successful for us; I finished fifth in the championship and it’s the first time I’ve completed a full Superbike season. I’m really looking forward to next year, I know we’re going to be stronger with the experience and what we have learnt from this season. I will have the same crew behind me, the same team and we’ll have the new Fireblade, which is exciting. I have raced the last model Fireblade since 2008, which is a long stint and have worked with Honda on the development, so it’s an exciting time with the new CBR – I can’t wait to ride it now! 2017 will be my tenth year with Honda, three with Honda Australia and seven with Honda (UK), so it’s a bit of a landmark in my career and I’m happy to continue with Honda for another year. I have high hopes for 2017 and think I can be a strong challenger for the title. This year we made the Showdown, had my first race win and finished on the podium seven times – so with that in mind, next year is going to be a good one!” 

Looking for the perfect two-wheeled companion? Visit MCN Bikes For Sale website or use MCN’s Bikes For Sale App.