Iddon lays down his race marker
CHRISTIAN Iddon hit the ground running as the TYCO BMW squad headed to Cartagena, in Spain, to get much track time in ahead of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship season opener at Donington Park on the 1st April.
As the weather interrupted much of the five-day test, conditions improved on the final day and Iddon made the most of the opportunity to lay down the gauntlet. Setting unofficial fastest time just 0.2secs off the overall circuit lap record.
Speaking to TYCO BMW afterwards, Christian explained; “Throughout the test we tried various development parts which are definitely a marked step up in the places that we struggled last year.
Towards the end of the final session we worked heavily on corner entry with the electronic side of things and the team and I made a massive stride forward – the bike was so much easier to ride. I’m feeling good on the bike and we have some good direction – it’s nice to end the test in such a positive way.”
Alongside his BSB commitments, Stockport’s Iddon has confirmed he will be taking part in the FIM Endurance World Championship, starting with the Le Mans - 24 Heures Motos, on the 21 & 22 April. Christian will be riding alongside TYCO teammate Michael Laverty at the world famous Le Mans track, riding the BMW S1000RR they are familiar with from BSB. The duo will be joining Danny Webb, Mark Cerveny and Rico Penzkofer at the WEPOL by Penz13 team.
Iddon had his first taste of endurance racing at the Suzuka 8hr race in Japan last season, and is looking forward to the opportunity to get back involved in endurance racing.
“I am really excited to be joining the WEPOL by Penz13 team for the EWC and to be doing it alongside my TYCO BMW teammate is even better” enthused Christian. “Both myself and Michael work well together and I think we can bring our knowledge of the BMW from BSB into the EWC.
“After racing in Suzuka last year I really wanted to do more races in EWC because I enjoy it a lot and I believe it can help me be a better rider.
“I am grateful to TYCO BMW for allowing me to race with Penz13. Already as a team and as a group of riders we can go for the title, but in endurance racing anything can happen and the Le Mans 24hr race will be a big test for us all but I can’t wait to get going.”
In other news, Christian Iddon has turned his hand to the notepad, as the former World Superbike rider becomes a columnist for the popular Fast Bikes Magazine. You can look out for Iddon’s words-of-wisdom in, as they say, in all good newsagents.
A brand new range of official Christian Iddon merchandise will be available from Bike Industries soon. Keep an eye out by clicking the ‘Merchandise’ link at www.christianiddon. co.uk.