The future started
Last Sunday Max travelled to Portimao for watching the title match live. One day later Max sat on his new bike, the Honda CBR 1000 RR Fireblade, for the first time. On Monday he used the possibility to do some laps on the Honda during the tests for journalists which obviously was a lot of fun for him.
Tuesday was the first complete test day for Ten Kate Honda. Max started with the set-up from J. Rea and found a good rhythm quite fast. In the afternoon they tried some changes then to adapt the Honda to the driving style of Max. Also Wednesday was used to work out a suitable basis set-up for him. Lap times generally didn't play a role during both days.
Team manager R. Ten Kate was very satisfied after the test: „This is more than we've expected. We are happy that Max had two good days. We will do another test in December in Spain, so that Max gets the possibility to get ready optimally for the season 2010."
Max: "First of all I would like to thank everyone who enabled me to ride with Ten Kate Honda next year. The last months have been very sobering, but now I look ahead very positively. The first laps on Monday were like a deliverance. I immediately wanted to ride some more rounds, unfortunately, this was not possible. On Tuesday I could achieve good lap times pretty fast and I was relieved that the speed is still good after such a long break of six months due to my injuries. On Wednesday we have tried out a lot at the chassis and in the end I did a long run. The lap times were really good and the Honda gave me a good feeling constantly. I get on with my new mechanics very well and I'm already looking forward to the next test. The complete team took me in very friendly and also the pace of the bike is good. My team mate Johny was very fast during the whole weekend and he also showed the potential of the Honda within the tests. I feel very well after two hard test days and I do not have any more problems with my health as already expected."
The Honda is a proven entity
The Honda is a proven entity and a great move for Max, of course it will take time for Max to reach optimum race pace on a new bike but if anyone can, Max can. Having Jonathan Rea in his corner doesn't hurt either and will push Max on to be better and more competitive than ever before. Congrats Max on a superb career move and I am really looking forward to seeing you fighting for the title in 2010 on a great bike and with a great team.
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Submitted by Danny Gladman (not verified) on Fri, 30.10.2009 - 23:31.Post new comment