Despite enduring more frustrating Spanish weather
conditions during their recent test, GSE Racing have today declared that
they remain upbeat and confident that they will be ready for the start of
the British Superbike Championship 2005. With the season just under six
weeks away, the whole team took part in the test at the Guadix Circuit in
Southern Spain on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday of this week.
With snow blocking roads and unseasonal conditions making the circuit unfit
for testing on two of three days, the team were only able to complete about
100 laps. However, all involved were quick to point out the positives they
were able to draw from the recent difficulties faced, both here and last
week in Almeria, and their confidence for the new season.
GSE Racing Team Manager, Colin Wright, displayed his unstinting hopes and enthusiasm: "Of course the conditions here have been far from ideal but with each lap completed, we improve our readiness for the new season. We are exactly where we want to be at this stage of testing given what we have been able to complete and the riders have done more testing this year than with any other previous team. This season promises to be one of the most
competitive and exciting for many years and nothing that has happened during testing makes me think that we won't be challenging at the front of the grid".
Both riders also agreed that although testing had not been as smooth as
hoped, they are looking forward to the season.
21-year-old Leon Haslam said: "I'm very comfortable with the Ducati 999F04
and am confident that we will be completely ready come Brands Hatch on 28th
March. We've tried various settings and will be looking to fine tune things
in the next six weeks- I'm raring to go when the weather is finally kind to
us!!"
Rider James Haydon was equally unperturbed: "Although it was frustrating not
to be able to consolidate things following a very positive first day in
Guadix, we've completed 100 laps and achieved plenty and I'm very confident
that we will be competitive in the coming season. The team are working well
and we have plenty of time to develop further before the opening race. I'm
very happy with the team set-up and the bike's capabilities and can't wait
to get back riding again".
The recent testing has at least allowed the team to test the range of Q8Oils
lubricants and products, following the sponsorship deal announced at the
beginning of the year. All concerned have pronounced themselves very happy
with the product and are hopeful for the effect it will have on their push
for the BSB Championship. Team Manager, Colin Wright, stated: "Q8Oils' have
a long history of producing excellent lubricants and early signs are that we are teamed with a fantastic product".
The team are planning a concentrated programme of testing and are expected
to return to Spain in March before the opening race of the BSB 2005 season
at Brands Hatch on the 28th March. In the meantime, preparations off track
will continue with riders Haslam and Haydon travelling to Venice to be
fitted for their leathers by Italian Leather manufacturer, Dainese. Leon
Haslam will also be appearing at Ducati's Manchester store for their 3rd
anniversary before testing continues.
