Honda Racing UK in action at Oulton Park for BSB season opener

Glenn Irwin

I’m happy with today’s results, coming into this weekend I set a target of being in the top-six, being realistic and looking at last year’s results, so that’s one objective ticked off. Saying that we have to improve for tomorrow, not just to look further ahead but to maintain the result we got today, we have to make progress tomorrow. We decided to race and qualify with the hard option tyre, which I feel was a good call and helped us get the top-six, but myself and the team are aware we have work to do ahead of tomorrow. It might not be a podium finish, but this result at one of our trickier circuits I’m happy with, and this weekend is about gathering points. 

Ryo Mizuno

I was able to finish FP3 in good shape today and by following riders I was able to improve my best time by a second, I am exploring and learning every time, so I'd like to keep learning every session. I couldn't get a good flow from qualifying and I had a little trouble in the race as I find the circuit very physical, this is something we need to improve tomorrow. During the race I couldn't set a good pace and it was tough, but I was relieved to finish after the chequered flag. I'm positive that I was able to finish my first BSB race and I will try to finish higher in the two races tomorrow. 

Takumi Takahashi

My first race experience was OK, but the result was disappointing having to retire early, however I did learn a lot on track. My shoulder now isn’t too painful, my main problem is muscle weakness, so after this weekend I have a lot to work on to get stronger for the next round. Tomorrow I am aiming to take part in both races, but I have to take each session as it comes starting with the morning warm-up and go from there. 

Tom Neave

Today has been quite a positive day for me we’re starting sixth, whereas last year we qualified 16th, so we’ve definitely made improvements and I am happy to be nearer the front tomorrow. After having a bit of a difficult off-season my main aim for this weekend is to start the championship cleanly and get as many points on the table as possible, and I think starting from the second row I’ve given myself the best chance of that. I had a little slip off on my last lap in qualifying but luckily both me and the Fireblade are ok so we are ready to fight tomorrow, and I can’t wait!