Page 127 - Australian Motorcycle News (January 2020)
P. 127
WorldSBK WorldSSP
Bautista speaks a
CBR
RR-R
ALVARO BAUTISTA SPOKE about
the new highly anticipated Honda
Fireblade after a wet opening day
of the two-day Jerez test.
“For sure to have days like this
is not easy for testing, especially Tom
in the phase we are in now,
starting with a new bike,” said Toparis
the 2019 season runner up in
WorldSBK.
“But I am very happy because to take on
Honda has been working very
well in the winter and has made
a good effort. Today was the first the world
time in the wet conditions so
that was important to get some CURRENT AUSTRALIAN
data. We need to make more SUPERSPORT Champion Tom
kilometres in dry conditions to Is Honda’s new ‘Blade a Toparis will line up on the 2020
develop the bike. WSBK winner in waiting? World Supersport grid, after
“For me, this is very different having scored a seat with the
compared to the bike I used just tried a street version but any new bike or new bike you Benro Racing outfit for the
in the past; I always used the he told me he was impressed go to, the wet weather normally European rounds.
V4 engine and this is an inline with the engine, because he highlights all the issues, The Australian, who
(four-cylinder). I have to adapt expected, like me, less power. throttle connection, engine has scored points as a
also my riding style a little bit and But he said the engine was very braking, whatever. wildcard during the last two
understand the strong points of strong and very easy to ride. [His] “I think my out lap this Australian rounds of WorldSSP
this kind of engine.” first impression was positive morning went P1 straight away. championship, will race a
Bautista spoke to Marc so it helped me a bit to take a Honestly, my feeling was good Yamaha YZF-R6 at 10 of the 13
Marquez about his move, and decision.” from the very first lap. To only do WSSP rounds.
the bike itself after Marquez His Honda teammate Leon 14 laps and be quicker than some Toparis had a stellar 2019,
rode the roadbike in pre-release Haslam said he felt at home on of the guys that did probably 40 winning all but one of the races
marketing campaigns. the new machine immediately. or 50, shows already that the he contested in Australia and
“Yes, I spoke with him and he “Normally when you have base is already really strong.” GR gained international racing
experience in both the German
IDM Supersport category
WorldSBK and the British Supersport
Tough Restart For Davies And Ducati championship.
“I’m so grateful and lucky to
get this opportunity,” he said.
“I know what to expect after
THE RETURN TO action a number of wildcards, so
of Chaz Davies, and Davies has had hopefully I can start out with
what is a partially his first crash solid results and build as the
redesigned Panigale of 2020 season progresses. With the
V4 R, was not an easy Benro Racing Team and our
one, as he suffered experience last year racing
a fast crash that IDM, I’m feeling confident that
wrecked his bike on we can learn all the new tracks
day one. quickly. I’m looking forward to
According to an exciting step up to the World
Davies, the changes Supersport class in 2020.”
to the machine are all from what I know.” KEL BUCKLEY
towards the rear of With a new
the bike, completely teammate in Scott
altering the balance Redding for 2020,
that the Brit is used to. who is a similar size GUESS
“They just to Davies, surely
redesigned all the rear I did today the bike is working there is more data sharing, and WHAT?!
package, to do with the quite differently at the rear, so relevance? In one way no. Australia is one of the most
swingarm, link, the attachment we need to really get our heads “To be honest we have not successful nations in WorldSSP,
points, everything like that,” around what we need to do just really done too much together with 36 wins, 127 podiums and
said Davies. to recover the balance of the bike yet,” stated Chaz. “He is working 43 pole positions. The last
“Quite a big redesign and just – because the balance of the bike on his stuff and I am working on Aussie win came nine years
with just a few slow laps that today was completely far away mine.” GR ago when Broc Parkes won
the WorldSSP race in
Misano.
