Honda Racing head to Thruxton this weekend in high spirits after claiming their first win of the season a couple of weeks ago at Snetterton.
Jason O’Halloran picked up his maiden MCE British Superbike win in race one of the day following a race-long battle with teammate Dan Linfoot.
The duo battled to the final few corners, where a slide from Linfoot was enough to give the Australian the advantage. Linfoot did manage to finish in second – giving the team their first 1-2 finish since 2010.
O’Halloran now finds himself third in the championship and is full of confidence heading into round six of the championship.
The 28-year-old said: “Well I am heading into this weekend really positive after getting my first win at Snetterton, it was such a good round for the team as a whole and hopefully we can carry that into this weekend. Thruxton is a great circuit and I really enjoy riding there, it’s super fast and I enjoyed racing there in my Superstock and Supersport days.
“I haven’t raced the Superbike there yet, as last year I was injured during qualifying, but up until that point it had been going well! So I am looking forward to seeing what we can do. The track really seems to suit the Fireblade with its fast and flowing nature, so I hope we can repeat Snetterton a little. I have the taste for winning again now and want some more of that for sure, so this weekend we will be pushing hard to be on that podium and hopefully score another win.”
Linfoot sits five points behind his teammate in the championship standings and after coming so close in Norfolk he is now determined to get that first win under his belt.
He said: “I’m excited going to Thruxton, it’s one of my favourites of the year, I love the circuit, the surface – just the whole place is mega! I’m going into the weekend off the back of four podiums in a row, so I am now wanting to maintain that form from the last few events and rack up some more podiums. The results have really boosted my confidence and I believe I can win now.
“I have never gone into a race weekend with a win in my head, but now I have experienced regular podiums I am now thinking about winning and I am determined to get my first win. I was angry at Snetterton after missing out again, but with myself – it was such a great result for the team and also for Jason, but I wanted it so badly so hopefully my time is coming.”
Linfoot impressed at the Hampshire circuit and he picked up a second-place finish and the fastest lap of the race in 2015.
The action at Thruxton gets underway this Friday with the opening two practice sessions. Qualifying then gets underway at the earlier time of 2pm on Saturday afternoon
