BSB

BSB: Bennetts British Superbike 2021 Testing Gets Under-Way in Portugal.

Published on December 5, 2020
By Dawn Hammersley

2021 action is well underway for the Bennetts British Superbike Championship as OMG Racing and Honda Racing, joined by the all-new FHO Racing, begin a three-day test in Portimao.

RICH Energy OMG Racing BMW’s all-new riders Kyle Ryde and Bradley Ray are getting their 2021 season preparations under way testing the BMW S 1000 RR at Portimao. Both riders had a very positive first day out on the track, which was unfortunately cut short due to rain in the afternoon session. Kyle surprised himself by how good a feeling he had with the BMW, as the Suzuki GSX-R 1000 has a very different feel to it, which is a big change for the Nottinghamshire rider, of which he found very enjoyable learning something different. Brad was super happy at the end of day one, having got a lot done in the first day, the team focused on engine breaking and fuelling of the BMW. Everything was going in the right direction for both-riders and team.

Kyle Ryde-RICH Energy OMG Racing BMW
It’s a big change for me riding the BMW and it’s very enjoyable learning something different, we are very happy with everything that we have tried so far.

Bradley Ray-RICH Energy OMG Racing BMW
Super happy with how the first day has gone, it’s been a perfect day coming in to the garage and making changes to the bike then back out on track , doing as many laps as you like.

The all-new FHO Racing BMW Team got their 2021 testing under-way at Portimao, with their newly-confirmed riders. Long-standing BMW rider Peter Hickman was pleased with how his testing was going; he rode the BMW Superstock bike on day one then it was onto the Superbike for day two. Unfortunately, weather hampered proceedings, so the riders weren’t able to complete as many laps as they’d have liked. Hickman’s team mate for the 2021 season Spaniard Xavi forés felt very comfortable with the BMW from the start and was able to put in some fast laps; the team were very pleased how the testing had gone and are feeling positive for the 2021 season.

Peter Hickman-FHO Racing BMW Team
So far so good, I’m looking forward to working with Xavi, he has gone quick and has a good feel for the bike, overall Im happy with how testing has gone.

Xavi Forés-FHO Racing BMW Team
I feel very comfortable with the BMW, I was able to set the bike up how I like for my riding style, first immpressions are that I like the bike!

Honda Racing have also taken part in the testing in preparation for the 2021 season. Due to lockdown earlier this year Honda missed out on vital testing time with the CBR 1000RR-R. Newley resigned Glenn Irwin was joined on track with Japanese rider Ryo Mizuno, who is yet to be confirmed as Glenn’s new team-mate for the 2021 season. The 22-year-old has experience in the Japan Superbike Championship with titles in J-GP3 (Moto3) and J-GP2 (Moto2). It’s been said the young rider shadowed Glenn around the Portimao Circuit. Honda is due to announce their rider line-up sometime this week.

Featured Images: Bennetts British Superbikes and Ian Hopgood Photography.

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