Irwin’s double-edged outing
Andrew tests out two Blades in packed schedule
One of the busiest men during the Navarra test was Andrew Irwin. Having already completed two tests at Monteblanco and Andalusia, Irwin got down to business on not one, but two Fireblades.
Ticking off another 100 laps, Irwin rode back-to-back 2022 and 2023 bikes, including different engine specs. Whilst he was busy testing parts, Irwin was also quick and finished inside the top five on each of the three days.
During the final day Irwin had a 2022 bike, a 2023 bike and then a hybrid mix of the two to play around with. As the test ended, he told MCN that the team are at around 75% of the complete package, which he describes as being really strong.
“I was faster on the 2023 bike, but there were perks of the 2022 bike, too,” he said. “I have a good feeling with the bike. It’s very soft compared to what I’ve been riding in the past, so I have an understanding of what the tyres are doing.
“There’s some more movement, but in a good way. It’s trusting that movement and being able to ride through it that’s something we need to maybe continue to work on.
“For sure, it already feels like my bike. From the moment I exited at Monteblanco I smiled and came back in feeling happy. I knew the feeling was good, but we must stay realistic and not get too far ahead of ourselves. We still have four more days of testing to complete.”
Irwin was the only factory Honda rider at Navarra due to Tom Neave being ruled out of action following an incident at Monteblanco. The 2021 Superstock champion broke his collarbone and has since undergone surgery in the UK.
Neave is hoping to make his return to action at the Donington Test on March 25-26.
‘For sure, it already feels like my bike’