Michael Laverty - Photo Credit: Honda Racing
The newly-named Samsung Honda team are confident that they can challenge the frontrunners at this weekend's opening BSB meeting at Brands Hatch. Despite losing Shane Byrne to Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki, Honda feel in good shape and new signing Michael Laverty believes everything is in place to fight for victory.
“I am feeling very confident about the opener at Brands Hatch this weekend. The Honda Fireblade has been great since the first time we ran and after the recent test at Snetterton I know we have the package, the experience and the knowledge of past seasons. I am really looking forward to the first races and hopefully getting a pair of strong results for Samsung Honda.”
New teammate Jon Kirkham is also raring to go after acclimatising immediately to the CBR1000RR Fireblade. The Derby rider is targeting a podium finish this weekend as he bids to go one better than last year and make the Showdown.
“I feel ready for the first round after some great pre-season. I’ve got on well with the Samsung Honda Fireblade and I think after the steps we have made in testing, I can be up there now and challenging with the leading pack. It is a long season and I know the championship can't be won at the first round but I am definitely after some silverware to get the season started!”
Team Manager Havier Beltran has described the weekend as the beginning of a new era for Honda Racing and hopes to mark it with a good result on Easter Monday.
“We have new riders in the team, a new title sponsor and this is the start of a new future. There have been so many changes this year and as a team we have worked very hard over the winter to be in the position that we are in now. We aim to carry this momentum through to the opening round.”
