BSB: Linfoot: 'We're in a much better position than we were last year'

Dan Linfoot has said the Honda Racing squad are in a much better position than they were 12 months ago after significant improvements to the Fireblade after the winter.

Late arrival of the 2017 CBR1000RR left the Louth-based team on the back foot last year, but following what turned into a season-long test and an extensive winter testing programme, both Linfoot and team-mate O’Halloran are brimming with confidence.

The team spent the winter testing a new engine and modified chassis, both of which have been designed to make the bike more stable and manageable on corner exit – something they struggled with last year – and feedback has been positive from both riders.  

“We’re in a much better position than we were 12 months ago,” Linfoot explained.. “The bike has taken three or four big steps in the last year from the fly by wire, aero fairing and now the new engine and chassis.

“The changes for our most recent tests were yet another step in the right direction. All those steps over the last 12 months have pushed the bike in the right direction, which leaves us in a strong position compared to this time last year and to be in this position with a lack of track time is really reassuring.

“I probably feel the most comfortable I’ve ever been with the Honda in terms of it moving, its handling and aggressiveness on the throttle. We’d both still appreciate an update in aero but that’s something Honda are working on and it should be coming to us in the first few rounds.”