WSB: Hayden and van der Mark improve grip in Misano

Honda’s World Superbike duo completed a successful test at Misano ahead of the eighth round o the 2016 season.  

Nicky Hayden and Michael van der Mark both completed 58 laps of the Rimini circuit as they evaluated a number of new chassis components designed to improve overall grip with their Honda Fireblades.

The test was cut short by rain about 3pm, but both riders were happy with progress made ahead of the second half of the season getting underway in two weeks’ time.

“This was our first test since the start of the season and a very useful one, too”, said Hayden. “Misano being the next race on the calendar meant we spent some time doing some preparations for that weekend. We were able to try some stuff we usually can’t do, because with a single bike in WorldSBK is really hard to make some changes. Unfortunately, it rained in the afternoon and, despite doing a couple of exits in the rain, the work basically stopped there. I’d hoped we could have learned a bit more today and take a bigger step forward. We did, however, found a few things and I hope these will make us readier for the second part of the season.”

Michael van der Mark added: “I’m really happy with today’s test. There were a lot of things that usually we’re unable to evaluate during the weekend, as there simply isn’t enough time. The results are good and I think we have found a good direction again. Too bad it started raining in the afternoon, because we had more stuff to try. Looking forward to the Misano weekend now, I cannot wait see the results of the work done today.”