Stern test for FPR in Czech Republic
Foggy PETRONAS Racing riders Steve Martin and Craig Jones
will be hoping to build on the progress made at recent test
sessions, at this weekend’s seventh round of the Superbike
World Championship at the Czech Republic circuit of Brno.
The team visited the undulating circuit for a three-day test
last month and this week made further strides forward at another
three-day test session at Lausitzring in Germany.
Both riders are, however, under no illusions that Brno poses
one of the stiffest tests for the PETRONAS FP1, with steep
climbs from slow corners highlighting the capacity deficit.
Steve said: “Brno has traditionally
been an unfruitful track for the team but I hope to be able
to turn that around this year. I guess my first goal would
be to make Superpole, but really I want points and that’s
always my aim. We’ve made leaps and bounds with the
development of the PETRONAS FP1 since last year and that really
came to fruition at our Brno test last month, so that should
put us in a good position for the race there.”
Craig said: “We had a really positive
test at Brno last month and I was able to put in some good
and consistent lap times, so I’m looking forward to
hopefully carrying that forward to the race there. I like
the track as it’s really wide and fast with a variety
of sections and I’ve also got some experience of racing
there which is a help, as I was a stand in rider last year
for Fujiwara with Ten Kate in the Supersport Championship.
This week’s test in Germany was also really productive
and my aim is to try to keep reducing the gap between me and
Steve.”
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