SINCE my first column created interest with some people suggesting I was provoking Ten Kate before the opening round I’d like to say it’s a good job Eugene lived up to my predictions and won the race then - eh.
Great performance but I don’t think either myself or Eugene thought it would be as comfortable as that for us. One thing for sure I don’t think they will all pan out as easy as that, but we all enjoyed a great start for the team with Miguel equalling his best result in 9th .
We move to our home track round in Portimao in confident mood for both riders and once again for the win I only expect a challenge from Joan Lascorz or Keenan Sofuoglu. I am sure Pirro will be in contention for the front row but doubt he can match the pace of Eugene in the race.
I think practice and race results will be very similar - not like in Philip Island where although Joan and Kenan had a quicker practice lap than us we had concentrated on the race tyre and knew we had great race pace.
Looking at the other two title rivals they seemed to not work as much in practice with the race tyre and in Kenan’s case I think the criticism of Pirelli in his post race interview to be unfair. He had a CBR600RR and the same race tyre as us and we were very happy with the race tyre. I expect him and his Ten Kate team to come out fighting in Portimao which is just what we and I am sure you fans all want to see. Just to put the record completely straight I have nothing but the utmost respect for Ronald Ten Kate and the whole team. I, like them, just want to come out on top so here is to a great contest and may the best team win - be it us them or Motocard Kawasaki. That said I still believe we can do it.
Moving away from our races there were a couple of things which caught my attention in recent times; the first was an incredible four-pages (I think) including the front and back covers in MCN on the fact that Suzy Perry was no longer going to be part of the MotoGP commentary team. Now whilst I can appreciate that her presence and enthusiasm may have helped the image of Motorcycle racing in the BBC, let’s keep it all in prospective, does it really matter? Will any of us even notice she has gone after the first round? I very much doubt it. I was beginning to think Motor Cycle News had been taken over by the Daily Sport when I saw that headline.
It was great to see BSB testing get under way in Spain but there were two things that caught my attention there: First one being how my good old mate Gary Pinchin has been sucked in once again by Rob Mac’s team. Does he seriously believe they will be on the pace when the season starts? If so I will be willing to have quite a large bet with him. Let me know if you’re interested Gary I could do with some easy money!
I know I predicted Eugene would win Philip Island ahead of the race but I was backing a proven winner. It was a bold statement from Dan Linfoot saying he was ready to race anyone when I do believe he is yet to threaten the top 10 seriously on Rob Mac’s bikes in the few races he did last year. If I was him I would have kept quiet and seen if I could at least challenge for the top 10 before saying that.
The second thing was that anyone is surprised that they get bad weather in Guadix. Great little track but hey it snows there most times they go. The argument that is good testing for British tracks also does not stand up so well now since it was resurfaced and most of the bumps went. I know it rained when Worx Suzuki went to Portimao but at least they could get track time. If I was back in BSB I would certainly look to Portimao for testing. Now that really is good testing for any type of track it had a bit of everything. Before you say I am biased how many people have you heard make negative comment about this track?
On the actual testing times although Suzuki went quick in Cartagena; when the snow finally cleared in Guadix the man I am tipping for BSB title glory this year started to get going. I think it will take a very good rider to beat Josh Brookes this year. He knows most of the tracks now and don’t forget Troy Bayliss did not win BSB at his first attempt. Here is my top three predictions for BSB: Brookes, Kiyo Easton.
Well I hope you like our new web site? The shop will be up and running soon so keep visiting and soon you’ll be able to buy everything we use as a race team right up to Eugene’s bike if you want it! www.performancetechnicalracing.com
Simon
