BSB to come here please
Spanish WSB star Forés and quick-learning Irwin make fast start on Blade
New Honda riders Xavi Forés and Andrew Irwin got their first taste of the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 in a private test at Monteblanco in Spain last week. The duo replace Dan Linfoot and Jason O’Halloran in BSB’s sole manufacturer-run effort as the Louth-based squad look to re-establish themselves as regular front-runners in the series after a number of difficult seasons.
It was a big test for the duo as they both move from Ducati’s V-twin to Honda’s in-line four. Forés, who has been competing in World Superbikes since 2015, hadn’t ridden a four since 2012 while Irwin made his BSB debut on the Be Wiser Ducati last year. Moving to BSB is a step into the unknown for Spaniard Forés, but after finishing as the highestranked independent rider in the 2018 WSB series, he insists he’s at the top of his game.
He’s also proved he can take on a new challenge and succeed before, winning the IDM German series on his debut in 2014. “Honestly, the test was better than I expected,” he told MCN. “I felt so good on the bike, especially as it was the first test and first time riding a four-cylinder since 2012. “I started trying to understand the bike without traction and wheelie control, but we also made a lot of changes to try to understand which direction to go in.
“It was good. We could work out whether every change we made was positive or negative and we managed to make a lot of progress. I was quite impressed with the Honda by the end.”
Moving from World Superbikes, where riders can use full electronic aids, to BSB, where electronic rider aids are banned is a big step on 200★bhp superbikes. Often a rider moving between the two will initially find the switch fun, but learning to manage a tyre during a race without the aids can be another story.
“The biggest positive is that I now understand the bike better. Sometimes problems can hide behind electronics but without those aids you can understand what the bike is doing a lot more.” Forés continued: “I’m excited to start the season. It’s going to be a long winter but this test makes me more confident because I already know the team and bike.” After impressing as BSB rookie, Irwin added: “It was a really productive, two-day test. I’ve never ridden any superbike other than the Ducati so it was a little strange at first, getting used to the Honda with two extra cylinders. “It’s been good and we’ve moved things forward. I like the bike and I’ve gelled with the team, so I’m looking forward to getting Christmas out of the way and getting back on the bike in 2019.”