HM Plant Honda hopes for success at high-speed Snetterton
HM Plant Honda heads to Snetterton in Norfolk this weekend
as the Bennetts British Superbike Championship meets for round
five of the 12-round season. The flat, former airfield circuit
offers high-speed action thanks to the long Revett Straight
as well as some challenging corners. Both HM Plant Honda Superbike
riders have been off to Japan in the break to test for their
forthcoming race at the Suzuka Eight-Hour, as well as taking
part in last weekend’s Suzuka 300km race. Meanwhile
Steve Brogan has been training hard in the gym so he’s
in the best physical shape for the weekend. In the Fuchs-Silkolene
British Supersport Championship, Steve intends to close the
gap on series leader Glen Richards, while continuing to dominate
in the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 series.
Leon Haslam – HM Plant Honda
British Superbike – Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
“I’m back from Japan testing for the Suzuka Eight-Hour
and riding in the Suzuka 300km race. It was very disappointing
for me as my team-mate crashed on second corner and totalled
the bike so I never had chance to ride in the race! Still,
the time in Japan wasn’t wasted as we did plenty more
testing on the new Fireblade. Although the bikes obviously
aren’t identical it’s still more track time and
it was nice to be able to give Japan feedback from our HM
Plant Honda team and now we’ve got more information
from our time in Japan too. We’re testing at Cadwell
after Snetterton as well, so it all helps. I’m really
looking forward to Snetterton as I think this circuit and
the next few should suit the CBR1000R a little more. Either
way, I’m expecting some good results from now on as
we refine the bike still further.”
Cal Crutchlow – HM Plant Honda
British Superbike – Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
“I know we got 8th in the Suzuka 300km race, but I was
a little disappointed to be honest. The clutch went with 28
laps still to go, then we got a misfire, the tyre delaminated
and we ran out of fuel on the last lap! Testing was good though
and I’m looking forward to the Eight-Hour. If we can
get a good, consistent bike I’m looking for a top six
result. Snetterton I’m looking forward to big-time.
Most riders have had two weekends off, but Leon and myself
just the one as we’ve been in Japan testing. It’ll
be good going to Snett and it’s the easiest circuit
to ride on the calendar really. I reckon it should suit us
and the new CBR1000RR. Hopefully we can make up some ground
on Shakey in the championship.”
Steve Brogan – Honda (UK) Racing
British Supersport – Honda CBR600RR
British Superstock – Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
“With the TT and the other guys heading to Japan it’s
seemed like an age since we last raced, so I can’t wait
to get stuck in at Snetterton. In the few weeks since Donington
I’ve kept myself busy with moving house and training
hard. Snetterton is one of my favourite tracks and I go well
there. Last year in Superstock I broke the lap record, then
it was later re-broken by another rider, but I think with
the new Fireblade being such a strong package I can get another
lap record and extend my points lead in the series. I haven’t
been round Snett on a Supersport bike since 1999, but I’ll
be getting right in there and setting up the bike, getting
the gearing spot-on and will be up with the leaders from the
first session. I will be aiming to take a chunk out of Glen
Richards’ points lead. His Triumph has lots of punch
out of the lower speed corners, but our HM Plant CBR600RR
has it’s own advantages too. I think we’ve got
the edge on Glen at the top-end, so at Snett if he pulls a
gap out of the corner, I think we’ve got the power to
catch right up to him down the straight. I can’t wait!”
Havier Beltran – HM Plant Honda team manager
“It’s back to normal duties for the boys and the
HM Plant Honda team. We will continue to keep improving the
bikes and our results and there’s every reason that
we will do that this weekend at Snetterton. Both Leon and
Cal are confident of being on the podium at Snett. It’s
a quick circuit and we’re hoping that it should suit
our set-up. You have to be careful, as it's all right-hand
corners and just the one left, which can catch you out. Set-up
will be crucial, but we’re hoping to come away with
some good results. With Steve we want him to extend his lead
in the Superstock championship aboard the new Fireblade. He’s
been in the gym training hard recently, as he wants to be
in the best shape possible to get the most out of the CBR600RR
in the Supersport series.”
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