Honda Racing UK prepares for Silverstone Showdown battle
Silverstone’s National Circuit will this weekend host the eighth round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, where the final four Showdown contenders will be decided. Honda Racing UK’s Glenn Irwin heads into the all-important weekend seventh in the standings and keen to secure his place as a title fighter.
The Honda team know that Silverstone has the potential to be a happy hunting ground for them, as during the pre-season test Glenn posted the fastest ever two-wheel lap of the National Circuit aboard the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. With a blistering lap time of 53.139 - 0.174s faster than the current circuit lap record (53.342).
Glenn’s Superbike teammates Ryo Mizuno and Takumi Takahashi are also looking forward to returning to the UK’s home of motorsport, as Silverstone was their first official BSB test on British soil. Now armed with more bike and circuit knowledge having completed over half a season of BSB they will be looking to improve their lap times in order to move further up the pack.
Meanwhile in the Pirelli National Superstock Championship, Tom Neave goes into the weekend with a 24-point lead in the series. Tom has won the last three races (Donington, Cadwell, Snetterton) and will be looking to do the same at the 1.6-mile circuit, where in 2020 he enjoyed a race win and third place finish.
Superbike first practice gets underway at 1pm on Friday 10 September, with Race 1 taking place on Saturday and Race 2 and Race 3 on Sunday. Click here for the full timetable.
Glenn Irwin
This weekend is the Showdown decider and I’m looking forward to it, the Honda works well at Silverstone, and I have good memories of last year with three strong finishes, as well as leading several laps. I think the boys found some issues back at the workshop after Snetterton, so we can put Sunday behind us and take the positives from the good parts of the last few rounds. We will try hard in qualifying to give us the best opportunity to secure a place in the Showdown.
Ryo Mizuno
Silverstone was the first circuit we tested at this season and it is my favourite track in BSB. I think it is the circuit with the best chance of the year. The track is short, but the race laps are long, so I will do my best to take advantage of the opportunity.
Takumi Takahashi
I like Silverstone circuit, it’s similar to Japanese circuit. It’s wide and a very short track, of course there’s always difficulties but I think we have a good chance this weekend and I will do my best to get a good result.
Tom Neave
I’m really looking forward to this weekend, I have fond memories of Silverstone and the National Circuit winning there last year and finishing third. I’m just really enjoying riding my bike and working with the team. Everything is working really well, and everyone is bouncing off each other – we’re in a great place, we’re not having to make massive changes week in, week out and it’s just nice and comfortable. It’s great to have two races back this weekend, as we’ve got one more chance to capitalise on good results.