THE Parkalgar Honda team completed the third and final day of the official World Supersport test at Parkalgar Algarve Motor Park circuit near Portimao in Portugal on a high, knowing that it is in excellent shape for the challenging season ahead.
The final day of the test was hampered by wet weather in the morning and difficult damp conditions in the afternoon which stopped the Parkalgar Honda riders from improving on their impressive lap times set yesterday afternoon. During that dry session, Miguel Praia scorched to fourth place and Eugene Laverty upped his game to claim sixth position.
Parkalgar Honda and Ten Kate Honda are the only teams to have two riders in the top six. The Ten Kate team already has seven World Supersport titles to its name and is the team to beat, so Parkalgar Honda is starting the season off in a strong position.
Miguel Praia said: “I’m really pleased with how all of our testing has gone. My CBR600RR has felt good from the start and now it is set-up how I like it, I’m able to make a lot of progress. I think testing on my home track has helped too and I have improved my lap times so much even since we last raced here. I can’t wait to get to the first round and see what we can do. I feel confident in my new 2009 bike and in myself. I’m looking forward to getting back to racing.”
Eugene Laverty said: “We have made a huge amount of progress during this test. We made a big breakthrough on Friday evening and on Saturday we got the bike working more how I like it and we started going in the right direction. We have finished up in sixth place just a fraction behind World Champion Andrew Pitt so I feel happy and ready to go racing. My bike is really fast and we are on a power with the opposition which was our aim. I’m looking forward to the first round at Phillip Island I know the track well and my bike is working, it is great to be leaving the test on such a high.”
Simon Buckmaster, Parkalgar Honda Team Manager said: “This test has been extremely positive for us. Both our Parkalgar Honda riders are in much better shape than at the start of the test. I’m pleased with the progress with the 2009 bike all our technicians have done a fantastic job. Also our technical partners Motech and Ohlins have helped to give us a very competitive package to start the season.
“I’ve seen a massive improvement in Miguel and that is good for everyone. Eugene made more changes and now the bike is starting to react how he wants it to, he has found a good setting which is really working for him. Eugene has gone from two seasons of racing two-strokes to running top six in a very competitive four-stroke championship. We are going to Australia in a very positive frame of mind and intend to be challenging for the 2009 title from the moment the lights go out.”
The World Supersport season kicks off on the 1st March in Phillip Island. For further information on Parkalgar Honda’s progress please visit www.parkalgar-honda.com
Saturday Second Timed Session
1 26 Lascorz J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1′45.214
2 35 Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R6 1′45.264
3 54 Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Honda CBR600RR 1′45.397
4 117 Praia M. (POR) PARKALGAR HONDA CBR600RR 1′45.757
5 1 Pitt A. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 1′45.817
6 50 Laverty E. (IRL) PARKALGAR HONDA CBR600RR 1′45.960
