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First test day for Honda Althea Team in Portimao

In SBK

24 gennaio 2009

First day of three-day test session for HANNspree Honda Althea Team at Portimao circuit. The team continued their preparations for the 2009 season and these tests are the first opportunity of confrontation with the other Supersport and Superbike teams and riders. All the HANNspree Honda Althea riders faced a wet track this morning for practice, but better conditions and occasional sunshine for the afternoon session. In Supersport eleventh place for Lagrive (1,51,142) and fifteenth position for Aitchison (1,52,024). In Superbike Tommy Hill was twenty first at the end of the afternoon session (1,47,639).

Mark Aitchison – Supersport : “This morning I ride only for six laps because of the bad weather conditions but I was able to learn something more about my bike because it was my first time with my Honda CBR 600 RR on a wet track. In the afternoon session it was difficult because in the middle of the session the track was not completely dry and we chose to mount new softer tyres. I felt some chattering on the front wheel. It wasn’t a big problem and of course we have to learn and work to find the right set up for this circuit. Our bike’s engine is strong and I’m confident tomorrow I’ll improve my lap time”.

Matthieu Lagrive – Supersport : “I’m pretty happy about today’s tests. The bike and the team are working well so it's been a positive start. I have quite a good feeling with the bike, but I feel we can get it even better than it is. I just need to test and work on the bike set up. Near to the end of the test I chose not to change the used tyres and that’s why I’m satisfied about my final eleventh position and my best lap time, that I’ll try to improve tomorrow”.

Tommy Hill – Superbike : “This is a new circuit for me and it’s not easy to work on a new bike and on a new track. It has been a hard day. I had some problem on the rear of the bike and we tested different tyres and a few different set up solutions. We are at the beginning of our work and tomorrow we’ll continue working on the bike set up and electronics. With the help of my team I’m sure I’ll be able to improve my best lap time”.