LINFOOT’S BREAKTHROUGH
While Jason O’Halloran has been able to enjoy some strong results with Honda’s 2017 Fireblade so far this season, teammate Dan Linfoot has struggled to find that same breakthrough. However, after a strong test with the Moriwaki team ahead of the Suzuka 8-Hour race, Linfoot was able to transfer some of what he learned in Japan to his BSB machine this weekend as he went on to lead the opening race at Brands Hatch before taking the new Fireblade’s best result so far, in second. “While Jason has been strong and consistent in recent rounds I’ve still been struggling in the background,” Linfoot said after the race. “I’ve been happy for him as it’s shown the bike’s potential, but I couldn’t do the same. “When I rode the Moriwaki in Japan, I immediately liked how it felt on the initial touch of the throttle which is what I’ve been struggling with in BSB. I was able to ride that bike in a normal way so it’s something we’ve tried to replicate since our Cadwell test. “While it’s not that straightforward as the bike is very different, it’s given us a direction to go in. There are still improvements to make, but it’s a good step as we’ve been able to have a strong weekend.” However, Linfoot’s strong weekend took a turn for the worse as he crashed out of third place in race two. “Crashing wasn’t ideal as with drops of rain in race one I wanted to see where we’d be in a fully dry race. But I can’t be too down as things have been so much better this weekend. My showdown chances are almost over, but I’m hoping for a strong end to the season.”