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SBK, Ironic Haslam: "I'd like 500 days of testing to try everything out."

“There are lots of things to test. This is a new project and, so  it takes time and patience. The CBR 1000 RR-R is certainly a racing bike that lacks nothing."

SBK: Ironic Haslam: "I'd like 500 days of testing to try everything out."

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Honda was in the top ten of the first test day at Portimao. We're talking about Leon Haslam's CBR 1000RR-R. The British rider secured himself a place at the top, even if the delay in getting there was substantial, since he's nearing two seconds.

Yet, the HRC rider tries to look at the glass half full, since he's not totally tipping his hand yet.

Today it took a bit of patience," Leon stated. "The track was not completely dry in the beginning. There were damp patches, se we had to be careful. The important thing is that we managed to carry on our work, unlike in Jerez, where the rain partially affected the program, and it was not worth taking risks."

Haslam then takes stock of the situation by responding to those who asked if the two day test at Phillip Island will be enough.

“In the meantime, let's hope for a favorable day here Monday too," he said, Then he added ironically: "The fact is that I'd need at least 500 days of testing to try all the material available. We know that we can't have that many days, so we'll have to just be good at moving ahead."

Leon then draws a picture of the situation.

“This is a recent project, and there are many aspects to focus on, in order to improve. Our goal is to get to Australia, focus on the final details, so we can do most of our work here in Portimao. It's obviously not an easy task because, when you make changes, they affect different areas of the bike."

But he seems confidence.

“This is already a racing bike for me. There's nothing is missing. We have to put together what has been done in the tests to be able to get to the end point, which is the foundation for being competitive on the track."

Translated by Leila Myftija
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