BSB test: Wet Snetterton sees teams lose valuable track time
Teams and riders lose vital test time thanks to a rain-filled three day test at Snetterton
In an alternative universe the Bennetts British Superbike paddock would have enjoyed three hugely rewarding test days in the sunshine at Snetterton. In reality, the event was reduced to an hour of track action. Two full days were lost to the wet and windy conditions, leaving the teams and riders with just two sessions to conduct preparation for the season ahead. This is a massive blow for everybody involved. There are now only two single-day tests remaining before the season begins: Oulton Park (May 19) and Donington Park (June 8). Those tests should have been about confirming new parts and settings, or perhaps getting some time on the softer SXC tyre and ensuring rider comfort on the bike. Now they’re going to be extremely busy and stressful. Rookies such as Rory Skinner and Danny Kent have lost crucial time to adapt to their new superbikes. Meanwhile for Japanese newcomers Ryo Mizuno and Takumi Takahashi it’s even more of a blow as they need as much time as possible to adjust to the Pirelli tyres, controlled ECU, minimal rider aids and the UK circuits themselves.
With only two sessions completed at the Norfolk venue we must take the outcome with a pinch of salt, but riders can only tackle what’s put out in front of them. The cold conditions meant that lap-times were nowhere near those set last season. Danny Buchan’s pole time in 2020 was 1:47.953, whereas test leader Christian Iddon set a 1:49.162 best.
Iddon is building on a strong maiden campaign with VisionTrack Ducati and rides into 2021 on a wave of confidence. Admitting to MCN that he focused too much on simply trying to be fast on the Ducati during preseason last year, Iddon now has the understanding and experience to be able to focus on testing new parts and settings which allow him to be fast when the real race begins. Iddon has access to parts which he didn’t previously have due to time constraints last year and has been working different linkage ratios.
The other big winner is BMW. Things are looking up for the German manufacturer thanks to the new M1000RR. Five BMW riders from three different teams finished inside the top eight with Buchan leading the charge. It’s early days but the feedback so far is positive, especially with regards to the engine and wheeliepreventing wings.
The fact that it’s a mixture of riders doing well is even more intriguing. Kyle Ryde is fast after leaving Suzuki, likewise Andrew Irwin after joining from Honda. Xavi Fores has picked up where he left off in 2019 and brings endurance spec experience. Riders have arrived from different locations but they’re all gelling with the bike. Next up, Oulton.
‘The remaining test days will now be very stressful’ ‘The lack of time is bad news for series rookies’