The Honda TT Legends team has successfully completed a Dunlop tyre test at the Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia in preparation for the 2012 Endurance World Championship, which kicks off in April with the Bol d’Or 24-hour.
The three-day test was the first official outing for new signing Gary Johnson, who will contest in the EWC alongside John McGuinness, Cameron Donald and Simon Andrews. Donald and Andrews – who are both recovering from injury – did not attend.
McGuinness and Johnson put in over 350 laps and covered almost 2,000km as the team trialled a variety of Dunlop tyre compounds in the intense Malaysian heat. They left the Sepang circuit yesterday in a positive mood having achieved all the agreed objectives.
Neil Tuxworth – team manager
The three-day test has been very successful as we accomplished all the goals agreed with Dunlop beforehand. We certainly found some tyres that will not only work well in hot weather, which was the main objective of the test, but will also be beneficial for other races this year.
John McGuinness
The test has been terrific to be honest. I’ve never ridden such a long distance in heat like this but it’s so good to be back on the bike and blowing the cobwebs away. We’ve done a huge amount of work in just three days. We went though a lot of compounds and found some really good set ups on the front and rear so it’s been very positive. I’m really looking forward to the season now and can’t wait to get going on the 2012 Fireblade.
Gary Johnson
This has been a great first test. I’ve gained a lot of experience and lost a lot of sweat – it was so hot! I’m really pleased that we got so many laps in and over the three days we have made some great progress on both the front and rear tyres. This was my first test with Honda TT Legends and it all went like clockwork. The crew works so well together and it means I can concentrate fully on my job on the bike.
2012 Endurance World Championship calendar
14 April - Bol d'Or 24-hour, France24 June - Doha 8-hour, Qatar29 July - Suzuka 8-hour, Japan 11 August - Oschersleben, Germany8 September - Le Mans 24-hour, France
